Exam 6: Developmental Theories of Delinquency: Life Course, Latent Trait, and Trajectory

Rebekah has a below-average IQ, a low amount of self-control, and a high degree of impulsivity.  What would these individual characteristics be considered? ​

In his early teenage years, Tom would get into minor tussles, engaging in what his parents referred to as "rebellious teenage behaviors."  As he reached his mid-teens, Tom started to mimic the behaviors of gang of kids at school who were always in trouble.  As he reached his senior year, Tom began to seriously consider his future.  He was concerned that his "rebellious years" might have dramatically affected his chances of getting into a good college and he seriously curtailed his delinquent behaviors.  Which of the following describes Tom's voyage into delinquency? ​

Jack wants to investigate the developmental theory that focuses on changes in criminality over the life span. Which of the following theories would Jack investigate?

If you wanted to investigate a theory of delinquency that looks at the onset, continuity, and termination of a delinquent career, which of the following would best suit your investigation?

A small group of chronic offenders engage in frequent and repeated delinquent acts, but desist as they enter their twenties. ​

According to some researchers, the general theory of crime is tautological.  What is meant by "tautological"? ​

Interactional theory postulates that the onset of delinquent behavior can be traced to a deterioration of the social bond during adolescence. ​

Paul's friend Peter bullied his classmates in elementary school.  He started with name-calling, then moved to physical aggression including head-slapping, tripping, and shoving.  His parents did not consider this as physical aggression, really.  More like "boys will be boys."  As he got older, Paul began to engage in physical altercations.  The physical fighting grew more intense when Paul joined a gang.  As a teenager, Paul was convicted in adult court of a strong-arm attack and rape.  Which pathway aligns to Paul's behavior? ​

A limited number of delinquency theories portray antisocial behavior as the outcome of social problems. ​

Which of the following completes the sentence:  The late bloomer's behavior becomes increasingly violent over time because the late bloomer combines risk-taking behavior, poor social skills, and

Wolfgang found that many offenders engage in frequent and repeated offending across their life span.

Children who will later become the most serious delinquents begin their deviant careers at what age? ​

Jill knows there are three independent yet interrelated developmental views of delinquency-propensity theory, life-course theory, and some other theory she cannot remember.  Of the following, which is the third theory? ​

Laub and Sampson found that adolescents who were adjudicated delinquent at an early age were no more likely to develop antisocial attitudes as adults than were adolescents who were never adjudicated delinquent. ​

Several questions and criticisms were raised regarding the general theory of crime (GTC); the text presents one of the most important questions raised about the GTC.  Identify and describe this concern.  Explain why you agree or disagree with this concern. ​

Explain latent trait theories; what do you find most interesting about this theory?  Explain why you agree or disagree with this theory.  ​

According to the text, what, since its publication, remains one of the most important and heavily researched views of the onset and continuity of a delinquent career? ​

Individual traits and childhood experiences are important in understanding the continuity of crime into adulthood. ​

Some individuals are incapable of maturing in a reasonable and timely fashion because of family, environmental, or personal problems. ​

A number of delinquency control and prevention efforts are based on what theory? ​