Exam 2: Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories

Prepare a critical essay on routine activities theory. Include in your essay at least the following issues: What are the key concepts and assertions associated with this theory? In what ways does this perspective broaden our understanding of the factors that need to be considered in fully accounting for crime? In what ways does this theory fall short as an explanation of criminal behavior? What are the strengths, shortcomings, and conclusions of research conducted to test the validity of the theory?

The "narrow" rational choice model, according to Opp, which assumes maximum rationality, has received more empirical support than the "wide" model, which assumes limited rationality and leaves room for soft incentives.

Identify the basic concepts and propositions of deterrence theory, and then critically analyze the theory using the criteria outlined in Chapter 1. What kinds of research have been done to test the theory, and what are the major findings of that research? Identify at least two major policies or programs based primarily on deterrence theory, and offer an analysis of the effectiveness of those programs.

Because routine activity theories looks at both offenders and victims, some of the blame in a criminal incident may be placed on the victim. Do you think a victim is ever responsible for being victimized? Are there certain crimes for which a victim is more responsible for his or her victimization?

Routine activities theory sheds little light on how and why individuals become motivated to commit crime.

If illegal acts are themselves taken as measures of routine activities, as it is in some studies, then it becomes tautological to hypothesize that routine activities cause illegal acts.

Discuss deterrence theory in terms of (1) its underlying assumptions about human nature and (2) its hypotheses regarding the role of punishment in social control.

Routine activities theory is designed to explain where and when predatory crimes take place.

The classical criminologists were more interested in providing a rationale for legal and penal reform than in explaining criminal behavior.

How did Beccaria and Bentham determine how severe a punishment should be? How would policymakers use this criteria to determine punishments today?

How could policymakers use knowledge of the experiential effect to reduce recidivism rates?

Routine activities theory is more a theory of criminal victimization than of criminal behavior.

"When rational choice theory is expanded to include variables beyond expected utility from other theories, it is no longer appropriate to call it rational choice theory." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Defend your agreement or disagreement.

Routine activities theory proposes that crime occurs when motivated offenders, guarded targets, and opportunity for reward converge.