Self Control Theory
The primary theorists who are associated with self-control theory.
Gottfredson & Hirschi
The specific environmental harm discussed in this article
Littering
What big game do poachers seek that fulfill the risk-seeking dimension of self-control theory?
deer, moose, elk, bears
What is the hypothesis being tested?
That low self-control is positively associated with the specific environmental harm of littering.
Describe the sample used in this study.
approximately 500 college students from southeastern Florida
Another name for self-control theory.
General Theory of Crime
What are two things often measured when evaluating environmental harm?
Intentions, Commission of Behaviors
What dimension of self-control theory do most environmental crimes fulfill?
a preference for simple tasks
What is the estimated cost of cleaning up litter in the US annually?
$11.5 billion
Describe the association between self-control and littering.
self-control is inversely associated with the likelihood of past littering behavior and projected littering behavior
The types of crimes that Gottfredson and Hirschi claim can be explained by Self-Control Theory
All kinds of crime
Name three of the five offenses that the article categorizes as environmental harm.
littering, improper disposal of radioactive materials, taking game out of season, intentional discharge of hazardous substances into storm drains or waterways, and theft of flora, fauna, and natural resources
What dimensions of self-control theory mainly explain to the action of illegally dumping waste?
Impulsiveness and self-centeredness
The presence of what in soil can hamper plant growth?
Cigarette butts
What is low self-control a strong predictor of?
higher frequency of littering
Name three of the six dimensions of Self-Control Theory as described by Gottfredson and Hirschi
impulsivity, a preference for simple tasks, risk-seeking, a preference for physical activities, self-centeredness, and anger
The type of data that is lacking in environmental crimes
Quantitative Data
What ecological damage can removal of redwood burls cause?
contributes to decline of endangered species, jeopardizes ecological system, and deprives the public from experiencing an untouched and pristine national park.
Why is littering an easy crime to do studies on?
It is common form of illegal behavior and there is a high proportion of the population that are offenders
What does this study imply about self-control in reference to environmental harm at large?
that low self-control might explain engagement in other types of environmental harm
What type of crime does self-control theory neglect to explain?
What is environmental crime?
Percent of studies on environmental harm that use quantitative data
10%
Which two dimensions of self-control theory are often unfulfilled when discussing environmental crime?
the anger and physical-oriented dimensions
Prior to the current study, how many studies examined the relationship between self-control theory and environmental harm?
Three
Name one of the limitations mentioned in this study.
the study was correlational, the selection of participants was not random, the sample was disproportionally made up of White Hispanics, the measure of low self-control was limited to only eight of the 24 items from the Grasmick scale, the in-person survey format