Question 1

List those factors that have relatively large, direct effects on individual delinquency and explain why these factors affect delinquency.

Accepted Answer

There are several factors that have relatively large, direct effects on individual delinquency. These factors include:

1. Family environment: Research has consistently shown that a dysfunctional family environment, characterized by parental conflict, abuse, neglect, or lack of supervision, can significantly increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior in children. This is because children who grow up in such environments may not receive the necessary support, guidance, and discipline, leading them to seek validation and belonging in negative peer groups or engage in risky behaviors.

2. Peer influence: The influence of peers is another significant factor in delinquency. Adolescents who associate with delinquent peers are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior themselves. This is often due to the pressure to conform to the norms and values of the peer group, as well as the reinforcement and validation of delinquent behavior within the group.

3. Socioeconomic status: Research has consistently shown that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. This is often attributed to the lack of access to resources, opportunities, and positive role models, as well as the stress and strain associated with poverty, which can lead to feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and a lack of future orientation.

4. School environment: The school environment can also have a significant impact on delinquency. Factors such as academic failure, truancy, and a lack of attachment to school can increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior. This is often due to the lack of supervision and structure, as well as the influence of delinquent peers within the school setting.

These factors affect delinquency because they shape the social, emotional, and cognitive development of individuals. They can create conditions that increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior, such as a lack of supervision, exposure to negative influences, and limited opportunities for positive engagement. Additionally, these factors can contribute to feelings of alienation, frustration, and low self-esteem, which can lead individuals to seek validation and belonging through delinquent behavior. Overall, these factors highlight the importance of addressing the social and environmental influences on delinquency in order to prevent and intervene in delinquent behavior.

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding group difference in delinquency is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Certain group characteristics beyond those reflected in the four clusters do not have an effect on delinquency. 
B)  Group differences in the four clusters largely fail to account for group differences in delinquency. 
C)  Group differences in delinquency are largely due to the fact that members of some groups are more likely to score high on the clusters. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  Certain group characteristics beyond those reflected in the four clusters do not have an effect on delinquency. 
B)  Group differences in the four clusters largely fail to account for group differences in delinquency. 
C)  Group differences in delinquency are largely due to the fact that members of some groups are more likely to score high on the clusters. 
D)  None of the above C

Question 3

What are the benefits of developing an integrated theory? Why would criminologists attempt to do this? What are the disadvantages of an integrated theory?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of developing an integrated theory in criminology are numerous. Firstly, an integrated theory allows for a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior by incorporating multiple perspectives and factors that contribute to criminality. This can lead to more effective crime prevention and intervention strategies. Additionally, an integrated theory can help to bridge gaps between different criminological theories and provide a more cohesive framework for understanding crime.

Criminologists may attempt to develop an integrated theory in order to address the limitations of single theories in explaining criminal behavior. By combining various perspectives, such as biological, psychological, sociological, and environmental factors, criminologists can create a more holistic understanding of crime. This can also lead to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of criminal behavior and the various influences that contribute to it.

However, there are also disadvantages to developing an integrated theory. One potential drawback is the complexity of integrating multiple theories, which can make it difficult to test and validate the integrated theory. Additionally, there may be challenges in reconciling conflicting perspectives and findings from different theories. Furthermore, an integrated theory may be criticized for oversimplifying the complexities of criminal behavior or for not adequately addressing the unique aspects of specific types of crime.

In conclusion, while there are clear benefits to developing an integrated theory in criminology, such as a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior and improved crime prevention strategies, there are also potential disadvantages, including the complexity of integration and the risk of oversimplification. Despite these challenges, the pursuit of an integrated theory remains an important goal for criminologists in their efforts to better understand and address crime.

Question 4

Develop a causal model for a general theory of adolescence-limited offending that includes the following:
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10major direct causes of adolescent-limited delinquency
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10reciprocal effects
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10effects of delinquency on future delinquency
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10background variables

Accepted Answer

A causal model for a general theory of a

Question 5

Males have higher rates of delinquency than females, as it is argued that males:

Accepted Answer

A)  are less attached to family members 
B)  do less well in school 
C)  are more likely to associate with delinquent peers 
D)  all of the above 
A)  are less attached to family members 
B)  do less well in school 
C)  are more likely to associate with delinquent peers 
D)  all of the above

Question 6

Variables may have both a direct effect and an indirect effect on delinquency. Give examples of each type of effect.

Accepted Answer

Variables that influence delinquency can

Question 7

Describe one way in which your model might have to be modified if it were applied to a particular group (e.g., females, life-course persistent offenders) or type of delinquency (e.g., running away from home, gang violence).

Accepted Answer

One way in which the model might have to

Question 8

Explain the association between race/ethnicity and the clusters affecting individual delinquency.

Accepted Answer

The association between race/ethnicity a

Question 9

The reciprocal effects of clusters on one another:

Accepted Answer

A)  are well supported with extensive research 
B)  have little support despite extensive research 
C)  have some support based on limited research 
D)  have no support because no researcher has examined this issue 
A)  are well supported with extensive research 
B)  have little support despite extensive research 
C)  have some support based on limited research 
D)  have no support because no researcher has examined this issue

Question 10

Based on your reading of Chapter 18, develop a general theory of delinquency. In your answer address the following key components:
a. clusters strongly associated with delinquency
b. reciprocal effects of the clusters on one another
c. effect of delinquency on likelihood of further delinquency
d. background variables that affect the clusters

Accepted Answer

Based on my reading of Chapter 18, a gen

Question 11

Describe dimensions of the "negative school experience" cluster. Use control theory to examine the relationship of an overall measure of negative school experience.

Accepted Answer

The "negative school experience" cluster

Question 12

Develop a model that illustrates the reciprocal causal effect of three clusters on one another. Predict the relative degree (small versus large) of the effects and explain.

Accepted Answer

To develop a model that illustrates the

Question 13

According to the textbook, males are more likely than females to be socialized to be:

Accepted Answer

A)  responsible 
B)  independent 
C)  decisive 
D)  all of the above 
A)  responsible 
B)  independent 
C)  decisive 
D)  all of the above

Question 14

Discuss the consequences of an increasing lack of decent work at a "living wage" on clusters affecting individual delinquency.

Accepted Answer

The consequences of an increasing lack o

Question 15

Discuss the two sets of "background" variables that have substantial effects on the four clusters discussed in Chapter 18. In your answer be sure to identify the background variables and indicate how these variables directly and indirectly affect clusters.

Accepted Answer

In Chapter 18, the two sets of "backgrou

Question 16

Which of the following illustrates a reciprocal effect?

Accepted Answer

A)  X causes Y, and Y causes Z 
B)  X causes Y, but Y does not cause X 
C)  X causes Y, and Y causes X 
D)  Both X and Y cause Z 
A)  X causes Y, and Y causes Z 
B)  X causes Y, but Y does not cause X 
C)  X causes Y, and Y causes X 
D)  Both X and Y cause Z

Question 17

Chapter 18 highlights the fact that up until this point, we have discussed a number of different theories of delinquency. Pick your "favorite" theory that we have discussed so far and describe this theory to the best of your ability. What are the main assumptions of the theory? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the theory?

Accepted Answer

My favorite theory of delinquency that w

Question 18

Sex differences in irritability/low self-control and offending are suggested by several pieces of evidence, including:

Accepted Answer

A)  differences in temperament noted at birth 
B)  differences in physical aggression and crime emerge very early in life 
C)  males are more involved than females in most forms of physical aggression and crime 
D)  all of the above 
A)  differences in temperament noted at birth 
B)  differences in physical aggression and crime emerge very early in life 
C)  males are more involved than females in most forms of physical aggression and crime 
D)  all of the above

Question 19

Meda Chesney-Lind argues that _____________ plays a special role in the explanation of female delinquency.

Accepted Answer

A)  lack of parental control 
B)  abuse by family members 
C)  equal opportunity 
D)  association with delinquent peers 
E)  religion 
A)  lack of parental control 
B)  abuse by family members 
C)  equal opportunity 
D)  association with delinquent peers 
E)  religion

Question 20

Agnew and Brezina state: "Engaging in delinquency may also directly increase the likelihood of further delinquency." Explain this statement by describing these effects and indicating when they are most likely to occur.

Accepted Answer

Agnew and Brezina's statement suggests t

Exam 18: Pulling It All Together

List those factors that have relatively large, direct effects on individual delinquency and explain why these factors affect delinquency.

Which of the following statements regarding group difference in delinquency is TRUE?

What are the benefits of developing an integrated theory? Why would criminologists attempt to do this? What are the disadvantages of an integrated theory?

Develop a causal model for a general theory of adolescence-limited offending that includes the following: major direct causes of adolescent-limited delinquency reciprocal effects effects of delinquency on future delinquency background variables

Males have higher rates of delinquency than females, as it is argued that males:

Variables may have both a direct effect and an indirect effect on delinquency. Give examples of each type of effect.

Describe one way in which your model might have to be modified if it were applied to a particular group (e.g., females, life-course persistent offenders) or type of delinquency (e.g., running away from home, gang violence).

Explain the association between race/ethnicity and the clusters affecting individual delinquency.

The reciprocal effects of clusters on one another:

Describe dimensions of the "negative school experience" cluster. Use control theory to examine the relationship of an overall measure of negative school experience.

Develop a model that illustrates the reciprocal causal effect of three clusters on one another. Predict the relative degree (small versus large) of the effects and explain.

According to the textbook, males are more likely than females to be socialized to be:

Discuss the consequences of an increasing lack of decent work at a "living wage" on clusters affecting individual delinquency.

Discuss the two sets of "background" variables that have substantial effects on the four clusters discussed in Chapter 18. In your answer be sure to identify the background variables and indicate how these variables directly and indirectly affect clusters.

Which of the following illustrates a reciprocal effect?

Sex differences in irritability/low self-control and offending are suggested by several pieces of evidence, including:

Meda Chesney-Lind argues that _____________ plays a special role in the explanation of female delinquency.

Agnew and Brezina state: "Engaging in delinquency may also directly increase the likelihood of further delinquency." Explain this statement by describing these effects and indicating when they are most likely to occur.

What Is Delinquency and How Does It Differ From Adult Crime

How Is Delinquency Measureding the Extent of Rape

How Much Delinquency Is There, and Is Delinquency Increasing

Who Is Most Likely to Engage in Delinquency

What Is a Theory and How Do We Test Theories

Strain Theory

Social Learning Theory

Control Theory

Labeling Theory

The Life Course

Is Delinquency More Likely in Certain Types of Situations

Group Differences in Delinquency

Individual Traits

The Family

The School

Delinquent Peers and Gangs

Other Social Influences

Policies and Programs

The Police

Juvenile Court and Corrections

The Juvenile Justice System

The Strategies of Deterrence and Incapacitation

The Strategies of Prevention and Rehabilitation

What Should We Do to Reduce Delinquency

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