Exam 4: Choice Theory: Because They Want to

Which scenario illustrates specific deterrence in action?

The perception of the general public is that the criminal justice system is far too lenient. What does the research evidence suggest about the use of harsher penalties as a method of deterrence?

Research efforts have established that the threat of informal sanctions upon gender show that it is an equally effective deterrent for men and women because of the fear of public shame connected to it.

Fred Desroches conducted research on bank robbery. Which of the following summarizes several of his findings?

Situational crime prevention may produce unforeseen and unwanted consequences. Discuss what is meant by displacement, extinction, discouragement, and diffusion.

Critique the concept of informal sanctions within Canada as an alternative to formal sanctions including incarceration. When is it appropriate to use, and with whom and where are the best outcomes most likely?

Since its abolition in 1976, the concept of capital punishment has prompted recurring calls from various Canadian groups, such as members of the public and politicians, to bring back the death penalty. Address the issues concerning the death penalty and what the text says about deterrence and criminality. Should Canada engage in capital punishment? Explain using the perspective of a criminologist.

Discuss the possible problems and benefits facing the Canadian justice system as the current generation of baby boomers begins to age. What potential pitfalls may await the general public and what may be some of the consequences and outcomes for the justice system as a whole?

Capital punishment is an effective deterrent for serious, violent crimes such as murder.

The local police have increased patrols to a park drug dealers and vandals frequent. It seems as though the problem is solved but it is also possible that the criminals have simply moved to a new park. If this is so, what term is used to describe the effect of the police patrols in this situation?

What term did sociologist Jack Katz use to describe immediate benefits, often a thrill or sense of superiority, which draw offenders into committing crimes?

The concept behind rational choice theory is to let the "punishment fit the crime."

Historically, there have been several calls to reinstate capital punishment in Canada. Which research finding is the reason why this has not happened despite support from the public?

According to rational choice theory, crime is an event. What then is criminality?

What has research shown about the direct benefits of incapacitation?

Canadian criminologist Frederick Desroches found that bank robbers often use police scanners to monitor police activity.

Although prevailing wisdom is that "crime does not pay," a small subset of criminals actually enjoys earnings of close to $50 000 per year.

In what school of criminology does rational choice theory have its roots?

Rational choice theorists view crime as both offender- and offence-specific.

Which elements are critical to the rational choice perspective of crime?