Question 1

Which is NOT one of the broader categories of risk factors discussed by the authors?

Accepted Answer

A)   static factors
B)   dynamic factors
C)   risk management factors
D)   proactive factors D

Question 2

Explain the differences between unstructured clinical judgments, actuarial techniques and structured professional judgments for conducting risk assessments, and the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Accepted Answer

Answers will vary but should include some of the following from the text: Unstructured clinical judgments are relatively weak predictors of future violence; one reason for this is that they are based on clinical prediction for which feedback is not always available; it is hard to gauge the longer term outcomes with this approach. Traditional assessment tools and techniques are used in sessions to render a decision. The more distinctions in behaviours, rather than just generic categories of violence, the better prediction might become. Actuarial techniques outperform unstructured clinical judgments; they calculate estimates of risk factors based on large samples of data on individuals whose background and behaviour can be statistically compared. This method is nomothetic in that it is based on groups and quantitative. For this reason, it may not do well with less common cases for which there is less archived data. The Violence Risk Appraisal Guide is an example of an actuarial instrument. Both structured and unstructured clinical judgments, on the other hand, are more qualitative and idiographic-that is, they are based on individual's behaviour and subjective judgments of inherent risks. Structured professional judgments (SPJ) were developed to address the limitations of both the earlier approaches; they are designed to combine the accuracy of actuarial methods with the flexibility of a clinical approach; SPJ use instruments like the Historical Clinical Risk Management Scheme and the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability. Research comparing actuarial and structured professional methods have had mixed results, both have methodological strengths and weaknesses.

Question 3

Two Canadian instruments for predicting sexual recidivism among sex offenders are the __________________ and the ________________________._____.

Accepted Answer

A)   STATIC 79-R; / Sex Offender Treatment Outcome Instrument
B)   Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide; / STATIC 99
C)   Sexual Clinical Risk Management Scheme; / Sexual Predator Checklist-20
D)   Sexual Violence Prediction Scale; / Sex Offender Appraisal Guide B

Question 4

The treatment model developed to reduce risk in offenders by focusing on their strengths and attempting to equip them with new capabilities and resources is called the ______ Model.

Accepted Answer

A)   Positive Scenarios
B)   Good Lives
C)   Faith Hope
D)   Rehabilitation Habits

Question 5

The concept of psychopathy was first introduced by ________ _____ in ______.

Accepted Answer

A)   the Canadian Psychological Association ; / 1964
B)   the American Psychiatric Association; / 1956
C)   Cleckley; / 1941
D)   Gendreau; / 1929

Question 6

Hodgins' research found that the BESTbest programming options for offenders with mental illness would be _____, _____, _____, _____ programs.

Accepted Answer

A)   short-term, residential, group- focused, independence- building
B)   low structure, generalized, inpatient, relapse prevention
C)   multimodal, highly structured, specialized, community
D)   unstructured, low stress, group home, education

Question 7

Which is NOT a characteristic of the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)?

Accepted Answer

A)   It focuses on client strengths and weaknesses in the risk assessment process.
B)   It is a Structured Professional Judgment Instrument developed by Canadian researchers.
C)   It uses seventeen short-term risk or strength factors called preventive factors.
D)   It relies on clinical interviews, records reviews and input from collateral contacts.

Question 8

Which factor is not a dynamic risk factor associated with violent recidivism?

Accepted Answer

A)   persistent feelings of anger and hostility
B)   lack of responsiveness to treatment
C)   self-injury and suicide attempts
D)   attempted or actual escapes from psychiatric facilities

Question 9

The Spousal Assault Risk Assessment and the Sexual Violence Risk-20 are both examples of ________ tools.

Accepted Answer

A)   Structured Professional Judgement
B)   Actuarial
C)   Risk-Need- Responsivity
D)   Unstructured Clinical Judgement

Question 10

Research summarized in the American court decision Barefoot v. Estelle reported a false positive rate in predicting future dangerousness of former inmates at:

Accepted Answer

A)   93%.
B)   76%.
C)   54%.
D)   41%.

Question 11

Which statement about Canada's National Sex Offender Registry is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)   The Registry is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
B)   The laws apply to those convicted in Canada but not to Canadians convicted abroad.
C)   A DNA sample of all convicted sex offenders is included in the National DNA Data Bank.
D)   Unlike U.S. community notification laws, Canadian notifications are more restrictive and vary across provinces.

Question 12

Describe the process of categorizing offenders as dangerous (DO) and Long Term (LTO), and the criteria for each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the process of categorizing offenders as...

Question 13

In _________ an Ontario Superior Court judge ruled that the automatic designations of Dangerous Offender violated Section 7 Charter rights.

Accepted Answer

A)   Smith v. Jones
B)   R. v. Whitmore
C)   R. v. Stephenson
D)   R. v. Hillv. R.

Question 14

According to the text, meaningful risk assessment must provide more information than just whether the subject will reoffend. Which is NOT one of the additional factors decision makers must know?

Accepted Answer

A)   What is the specific nature of the violence that might occur?
B)   What is the likely severity of the violence that might occur?
C)   What are the most likely triggers or catalysts for potential violence?
D)   Is it likely to be ongoing or a one-time act?

Question 15

Which statement about the official status of a long -term offender is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)   LTOs can be given an extended term of supervision for up to 10 years after release from custody.
B)   The LTO application requires the prosecutor to include recommendations of court-appointed experts.
C)   LTOs must be serving 2 years or more for a serious personal injury offence.
D)   LTOs status is determined by the parole board at a hearing.

Question 16

Which factor is NOT considered a major risk indicator in the Risk-Need-Responsivity mModel?

Accepted Answer

A)   relationships
B)   self-esteem
C)   school/vocation performance
D)   positive social recreation

Question 17

Which statement about high- risk offenders and Canadian law is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

A)   The Dangerous Offender Law replaced the Habitual Offender Act.
B)   Offenders deemed dangerous face indeterminate detention.
C)   Only one psychiatrist has to testify at dangerousness hearings.
D)   Offenders deemed dangerous have to wait at least 12 years for parole.

Question 18

Actuarial techniques for predicting violence are classified as ________ and& _______ approaches.

Accepted Answer

A)   idographic; / qualitative
B)   idographic; / quantitative
C)   nomothetic; / qualitative
D)   nomothetic; / quantitative

Question 19

When rResults from one instrument or test that will be similar across other populations and under other conditions, we say that it has are said to have: _____________.

Accepted Answer

A)   dichotomy.
B)   spuriousness.
C)   structural integrity.
D)   generalizability.

Question 20

Static risk factors are also known as: ______

Accepted Answer

A)   responsive.
B)   historical.
C)   maintenance.
D)   protective.

Exam 10: Predicting Violent Behaviour and Risk Assessment