Neurotransmitters
True or false: Dopamine is only associated with pleasure and does not influence decision-making or risk-taking.
False. Dopamine is involved in reward learning, motivation, and decision-making. It can influence how individuals evaluate potential rewards and risks.
According to William Sheldon, which body type was most associated with delinquency?
Mesomorph (muscular or athletic build).
Routine Activities Theory requires the convergence of what three factors?
Motivated Offender
Suitable Target
Absence of a Capable Guardian
Which element of punishment under Deterrence Theory is the most influential?
Certainty. The perceived likelihood of being caught and punished generally has stronger deterrent effects than increasing punishment severity.
According to Shaw & McKay, where do you find high crime and low crime?
High crime in zone in transition
Low crime in peripheral neighborhoods
True or False: Neurotransmitter levels are determined entirely by genetics.
False. Stress, diet, and medications can also influence neurotransmitter levels.
Name two areas of the brain discussed in neurocriminology and explain what they are associated with.
The prefrontal cortex (decision-making and impulse control) and amygdala (emotional responses, including fear and aggression).
Routine Activities Theory and Situational Crime Prevention differ from other theories in what main way?
Instead of focusing on the offender and their motivations, opportunity theories focus on environmental factors that lead to increased chances of crime.
What are Hirschi’s four elements of social bond theory?
Attachment
Commitment
Involvement
Belief
What is “anomie” and when does it occur?
A breakdown of social norms and moral guidance
Happens during times of rapid change
According to the lecture, problems with MAO levels may be associated with what types of behavior?
Low self-control and aggression.
What is the difference between physiognomy and phrenology?
Physiognomy links facial features to behavior, while phrenology uses skull shape to infer mental traits.
Why might changes in people's everyday activities increase crime even if the number of motivated offenders stays the same?
Changes in routines can create more opportunities for offenders by exposing suitable targets to them without effective guardianship.
What are the four key concepts of Aker’s social learning theory?
Differential Association (Interaction with others who hold criminal or law-abiding values. Varies by frequency, duration, priority, and intensity)
Definitions (Meanings and attitudes toward behavior. General (overall morals) vs. Specific (justifications for particular acts))
Differential Reinforcement (Behaviors are learned through rewards and punishments. Social (approval, status) & nonsocial (money, excitement))
Imitation/modeling (Learning by observing others’ behavior and its consequences)
What is the theory of differential association?
Criminal and deviant behavior is learned through social interactions with other people, rather than being inherited or biologically determined
True or False: If someone has abnormal neurotransmitter levels, they will inevitably engage in criminal behavior. Explain.
False. Biological factors do not determine criminal behavior on their own. Environmental and social factors also matter.
Why do researchers compare identical and fraternal twins when studying criminal behavior?
To investigate whether genetics influence criminal behavior, since identical twins share more genes than fraternal twins.
According to the personality research discussed in class, which combination of two personality traits was associated with greater antisocial behavior?
High negative emotionality and low constraint.
According to Merton, strain occurs when there is a disconnection between:
Cultural goals (what society expects people to strive for)
Institutionalized means (the socially approved ways to achieve those goals)
What is the main argument of Hirschi’s social bond theory?
People are less likely to engage in crime when they have strong bonds with society. These bonds connect individuals to family, school, work, and other conventional institutions. When these bonds weaken, individuals may be more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.
Two children have similarly low MAO activity, but only one experiences severe childhood maltreatment. Based on Caspi et al. (2002), which child would be expected to have a greater risk of later antisocial behavior?
The child who experienced maltreatment. The study found that low MAO activity, combined with childhood maltreatment, was associated with greater antisocial behavior.
A researcher in the 1800s examines prisoners' facial features, believing that certain physical characteristics reveal whether someone is naturally criminal. Which criminologist is most closely associated with this idea?
Cesare Lombroso
A person repeatedly lies, manipulates others for personal gain, and shows little remorse for their actions. What psychological disorder discussed in class is associated with these behaviors?
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). These are associated characteristics, although they alone are not enough for a diagnosis.
Explain Aladdin, from Aladdin, in terms of Merton's Five Adaptations.
Best fit: Innovation.
Aladdin grows up poor but desires wealth, higher social status, and acceptance so he can be with Princess Jasmine. Rather than achieving these goals through conventional means, he uses the Genie's magic to disguise himself as a wealthy prince and deceive others about his identity.
Goals/ends: Accepts - wants wealth, social status, acceptance, and opportunities associated with success.
Means: Rejects legitimate means - uses deception and a false identity rather than conventional, socially approved paths to achieve his goals.
Explain Squidward, from SpongeBob SquarePants, in terms of Merton's Five Adaptations
Best fit: Ritualism.
Squidward continues working at the Krusty Krab despite disliking his job and having little interest in advancing within it. He follows the routine of employment without expecting it to bring him success or happiness.
Goals/ends: Rejects or gives up on conventional success, shows little interest in advancing at the Krusty Krab, although he still dreams of artistic recognition.
Means: Accepts legitimate means, continues working a conventional job and following workplace routines.