Theories of Crime Causation Review Questions 1
Theories of Crime Causation
1. A resident in an informal settlement in Manila notices that because people are constantly moving in and out, the community lacks the 'collective efficacy' needed to stop local teenagers from engaging in vandalism. Which theory best explains this situation?
A. Control theory
B. Strain theory
C. Rational choice theory
D. Social disorganization theory
Answer: D
2. A person decides to engage in 'akyat-bahay' (burglary) because they believe the chances of being caught are low and the potential profit from stolen gadgets is high. This 'weighing' of consequences aligns with which theory?
A. Rational choice theory
B. Social disorganization theory
C. Control theory
D. Strain theory
Answer: A
3. An individual in a poverty-stricken area wants to provide a comfortable life for their family but lacks the education or job opportunities to do so legally. Consequently, they turn to selling illegal drugs. This represents which theory?
A. Rational choice theory
B. Strain theory
C. Social disorganization theory
D. Control theory
Answer: B
4. According to Travis Hirschi, most people do not commit crimes because they have strong 'attachments' to parents and 'commitment' to their future careers. Which theory is this?
A. Strain theory
B. Social disorganization theory
C. Rational choice theory
D. Control theory
Answer: D
5. Which theory would suggest that increasing police visibility and improving street lighting in a dark alley will deter a snatcher because it increases the risk of being caught?
A. Rational choice theory
B. Control theory
C. Strain theory
D. Social disorganization theory
Answer: A
6. The 'Concentric Zone Model' by Shaw and McKay identifies 'Zone II' (the Zone in Transition) as having the highest crime rates regardless of which ethnic group lives there. This finding supports which theory?
A. Rational choice theory
B. Control theory
C. Social disorganization theory
D. Strain theory
Answer: C
7. A government employee refuses to take a bribe because they strongly believe in the integrity of the law and do not want to jeopardize their 20 years of service toward a pension. This is an application of:
A. Control theory
B. Social disorganization theory
C. Rational choice theory
D. Strain theory
Answer: A
8. A student who feels they can never pass their board exams through hard study chooses to cheat because society only cares about the 'passing' result, not the process. Robert Merton would classify this under:
A. Rational choice theory
B. Control theory
C. Strain theory
D. Social disorganization theory
Answer: C
9. Which theory emphasizes that the certainty of being caught is more effective at preventing crime than the severity of the final punishment?
A. Control theory
B. Rational choice theory
C. Strain theory
D. Social disorganization theory
Answer; B
10. In a neighborhood where neighbors do not know each other and do not care if children skip school or loiter, crime begins to flourish because there is no 'informal social control.' This is the core of:
A. Social disorganization theory
B. Control theory
C. Rational choice theory
D. Strain theory
Answer: A
11. Which body type is characterized by a prevalence of muscle, bone, and connective tissue, often described as athletic and aggressive?
A. Dysplastic
B. Ectomorph
C. Endomorph
D. Mesomorph
Answer: D. Mesomorphs possess the rectangular, hard, and muscular build that Sheldon specifically linked to a higher propensity for delinquent behavior.
Sheldon described mesomorphs as muscular and athletic and associated them with higher rates of delinquency.
Endomorphs are characterized by soft roundness and a large digestive viscera rather than muscularity.
12. According to William Sheldon, which temperament is most commonly associated with the Endomorph body type?
A. Cerebrotonic
B. Somatotonic
C. Psychopathic
D. Viscerotonic
Answer: D. Viscerotonic individuals are characterized as relaxed, sociable, and fond of comfort, aligning with the Endomorphic build.
13. In the study of Criminal Anthropology, which somatotype is statistically most likely to engage in predatory or violent crimes?
A. Mesomorph
B. Endomorph
C. Balanced type
D. Ectomorph
Answer: A. Sheldon's research suggested that the physical robustness and Somatotonic temperament of Mesomorphs made them more prone to delinquency.
Sheldon's studies reported that mesomorphs were overrepresented among delinquent groups.
14. A person with a 'linear and fragile' build, characterized by a flat chest and slender limbs, belongs to which somatotype?
A. Mesomorph
B. Athletic
C. Ectomorph
D. Endomorph
Answer: C. The Ectomorph is defined by a lack of muscle and fat, resulting in a lean, delicate, and 'skinny' appearance.
15. What is the primary focus of the Cerebrotonic temperament associated with the Ectomorph?
A. Mental restraint
B. Physical action
C. Socialization
D. Emotional lability
Answer: A. Cerebrotonics are characterized by introversion, hypersensitivity, and a tendency toward mental over-intensity and restraint.
Cerebrotonic individuals were described as introverted, restrained, and intellectually oriented.
16. William Sheldon's somatotyping used a scoring system for each body component. What is the range of scores for each trait?
A. 1 to 7
B. 1 to 5
C. 1 to 10
D. 0 to 100
Answer: A. Sheldon rated each component (Endomorphy, Mesomorphy, Ectomorphy) on a scale from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum).
17. Which somatotype is described as having 'soft roundness' throughout various regions of the body with a tendency to easily gain fat?
A. Ectomorph
B. Endomorph
C. Pyknic
D. Mesomorph
Answer: B. Endomorphs are characterized by the prominence of the digestive system and a soft, spherical body shape.
Endomorph — Soft, rounded body with a tendency to accumulate fat.
18. The 'Somatotonic' temperament is best defined by which of the following behavioral patterns?
A. Need for privacy
B. Fear of people
C. Lust for power
D. Love of luxury
Answer: C. Somatotonics are characterized by a desire for power, dominance, risk-taking, and physical courage.
Somatotonic temperament emphasized assertiveness, dominance, physical activity, and risk-taking.
19. Which of the following describes the 'Somatotype' theory's position on the cause of crime?
A. Social learning
B. Economic status
C. Rational choice
D. Biological determinism
Answer: D. Somatotyping belongs to the biological school of criminology, suggesting body structure determines behavior and temperament.
Biological determinism — This is the best answer in the context of traditional criminology. A more precise wording would be that the theory emphasizes constitutional or biological influences rather than claiming body type alone completely determines criminal behavior.
20. If a person is described as an 'Asthenic' type in Ernst Kretschmer's system, which of Sheldon's somatotypes do they most closely resemble?
A. Ectomorph
B. Endomorph
C. Leptosome
D. Mesomorph
Answer: A. Both the Asthenic and Ectomorph types refer to individuals who are thin, small-boned, and slender.
Kretschmer's Asthenic (Leptosome) type most closely corresponds to Sheldon's Ectomorph.
Dispute Resolution and Crisis/Incident Management Review Questions 1
Human Behavior and Victimology
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