Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prepare a critical essay on routine activities...

Question 2

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.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 3

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify the basic concepts and propositions of...

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because routine activity theories looks at both...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

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.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss deterrence theory in terms of (1)...

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did Beccaria and Bentham determine how...

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of How could policymakers use knowledge of the...

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

"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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "When rational choice theory is expanded to...

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 2: Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories

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.

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.