Deck 6: Causes of Delinquency

Question 1

Why are delinquency theories important to understanding and responding to juvenile delinquency?

A) Theories provide systematic explanations of what is causally important and why.
B) Theories empirically test research hypotheses.
C) Theories are developed as mission statements for delinquency intervention programs.
D) Theories are actually irrelevant to understanding and responding to juvenile delinquency.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Theories of delinquency are composed of two basic parts:

A) variables and facts.
B) propositions and hypotheses.
C) concepts and variables.
D) concepts and propositions.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Biosocial theories and research focus on:

A) the situational context in which delinquency occurs.
B) social relationships that reinforce offending.
C) the individual traits that predispose individuals to crime.
D) None of the above.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Neurological deficits associated with the prefrontal cortex that reduce__________ __________, resulting in poor self-regulation of impulses, emotions, and behaviors.

A) logical analysis
B) executive functioning
C) a priori deliberation
D) self-reflection

Question 5

Two biochemical factors have been studied extensively in relation to antisocial behavior. Which of the following is one of these two factors?

A) neurotransmitters
B) autonomic systems
C) heart rate
D) personality traits

Question 6

Recent research has shown that two dimensions of personality are most important in explaining delinquency. Which of the following is one of these two dimensions?

A) low conscientiousness
B) psychopathic personality
C) paranoia
D) social introversion

Question 7

Negative experiences and adverse situations can motivate and provide opportunity for delinquent behavior. This is referred to as the ___________ ___________ of delinquency.

A) reaction formation
B) stimulating forces
C) situational context
D) rational component

Question 8

Research shows that the rational choice of delinquency is simply a matter of a youth's consideration of the chances of getting caught and punished.

Question 9

Hirschi's social bond theory refers to the strength of relationship ties between people as:

A) attachment.
B) involvement.
C) commitment.
D) belief.

Question 10

The groups in which youth commit delinquency tend to be small, typically consisting of only two or three youth.

Question 11

Social disorganization theory emphasizes three structural characteristics of urban environments that disrupt social organization:

A) low population density, lack of collective efficacy, and residential mobility.
B) motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absence of capable guardians.
C) anomie, strain, and lack of collective efficacy.
D) low economic status, ethnic heterogeneity, and residential mobility.

Question 12

Research shows that communities characterized by low levels of collective efficacy also have low rates of crime and delinquency.

Question 13

Which two bodies of theory have been used most extensively to explore how school experiences are related to delinquency?

A) anomie theory and strain theory
B) social learning theory and social disorganization theory
C) social bond theory and general strain theory
D) social disorganization theory and rational choice theory

Question 14

Research shows that poor academic performance is an important predictor of delinquent behavior.

Question 15

The earlier the onset of problem behaviors in childhood, the greater the likelihood that these problems will continue and escalate into crime during the adult years.

Question 16

In Moffitt's developmental model, __________________ offenders are those characterized by continuity of antisocial behavior from early childhood through adulthood.

A) persistent-problem
B) life-course-persistent
C) adolescence-limited
D) None of the above.

Question 17

The following questions are on Reading 6.1: Thornberry, Huizinga, and Loeber (2004).
-Which study was not discussed by Thornberry et al. (2004)?

A) Pittsburgh Youth Study
B) Rochester Youth Development Study
C) Boston Juvenile Development Study
D) Denver Youth Study

Question 18

The following questions are on Reading 6.1: Thornberry, Huizinga, and Loeber (2004).
-Two key risk factors for delinquency according to Thornberry et al. (2004) are gangs and poor academic performance.

Question 19

The following questions are on Reading 6.1: Thornberry, Huizinga, and Loeber (2004).
-Research findings from all three Causes and Correlates projects show that youth who start their delinquency careers before age 13 are at higher risk of becoming serious and violent offenders than those who start their delinquency careers later.

Question 20

The following questions are on Reading 6.1: Thornberry, Huizinga, and Loeber (2004).
-It is "never too early" to try to prevent juvenile offending, but research shows that there comes a time when it is too late.