1. What is the primary focus of criminological psychology?
A) Understanding psychological disorders
B) Understanding criminal behavior and its causes
C) Treating mental illnesses
D) Developing legal procedures
Answer: B) Understanding criminal behavior and its causes
Explanation: Criminological psychology focuses on understanding the psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior, including the social, environmental, and individual factors.
2. Which of the following theories suggests that crime is a learned behavior?
A) Biological theory
B) Psychological theory
C) Social learning theory
D) Trait theory
Answer: C) Social learning theory
Explanation: The social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others and by observing behaviors.
3. Which psychological theory posits that criminal behavior is caused by an imbalance in personality traits?
A) Psychodynamic theory
B) Cognitive-behavioral theory
C) Trait theory
D) Social control theory
Answer: C) Trait theory
Explanation: Trait theory suggests that criminal behavior is the result of certain personality traits such as impulsivity or aggression, which are inherent or developed over time.
4. Which of the following is a psychological factor that can influence criminal behavior?
A) Lack of empathy
B) Social class
C) Genetic predispositions
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Psychological, social, and biological factors can all play a role in influencing criminal behavior. Lack of empathy, social factors, and genetic predispositions contribute to deviant behavior.
5. Which theory argues that individuals commit crimes when their bond to society is weakened?
A) Strain theory
B) Control theory
C) Routine activities theory
D) Social learning theory
Answer: B) Control theory
Explanation: Control theory suggests that people are naturally inclined to deviate, but societal bonds (e.g., family, employment) prevent them from engaging in criminal behavior.
6. Which personality disorder is most commonly associated with criminal behavior?
A) Narcissistic personality disorder
B) Antisocial personality disorder
C) Borderline personality disorder
D) Histrionic personality disorder
Answer: B) Antisocial personality disorder
Explanation: Antisocial personality disorder is often linked with criminal behavior, as individuals with this disorder tend to disregard societal rules and the rights of others.
7. What is the primary assumption of biological theories of crime?
A) Criminal behavior is learned through social interactions.
B) Criminal behavior is influenced by an individual’s mental state.
C) Criminal behavior is the result of inherited traits or brain abnormalities.
D) Criminal behavior arises due to societal inequalities.
Answer: C) Criminal behavior is the result of inherited traits or brain abnormalities.
Explanation: Biological theories suggest that criminal behavior may be caused by genetic factors, brain function issues, or neurochemical imbalances.
8. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a psychopath?
A) Strong emotional attachments
B) Lack of remorse for harmful actions
C) Extreme anxiety
D) Over-sensitivity to stress
Answer: B) Lack of remorse for harmful actions
Explanation: Psychopaths are characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse, which can lead them to commit deviant and criminal acts without guilt.
9. Which psychological approach focuses on understanding how criminal behavior is reinforced through rewards and punishments?
A) Cognitive-behavioral theory
B) Psychoanalytic theory
C) Social learning theory
D) Biological theory
Answer: A) Cognitive-behavioral theory
Explanation: Cognitive-behavioral theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned and reinforced through the application of rewards and punishments.
10. Which theory argues that people commit crimes due to societal pressures and blocked opportunities?
A) Strain theory
B) Labeling theory
C) Routine activities theory
D) Social control theory
Answer: A) Strain theory
Explanation: Strain theory suggests that crime occurs when individuals are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means, leading them to resort to deviant behavior.
11. Which of the following is an example of a deviant act?
A) Following all traffic laws
B) Stealing from a store
C) Volunteering for community service
D) Attending a religious service
Answer: B) Stealing from a store
Explanation: Deviant acts are those that violate societal norms, and stealing is an example of such behavior, as it goes against the laws of society.
12. What is the primary focus of the labeling theory?
A) Crime is the result of social pressures.
B) Crime is a learned behavior through observation.
C) People are more likely to commit crimes if labeled as criminals.
D) Crime occurs due to inherited biological traits.
Answer: C) People are more likely to commit crimes if labeled as criminals.
Explanation: The labeling theory posits that individuals who are labeled as “criminals” are more likely to internalize the label and continue engaging in criminal behavior.
13. Which of the following is NOT typically associated with deviant behavior?
A) Breaking societal norms
B) Engaging in illegal activities
C) Volunteering for a charitable cause
D) Violating cultural expectations
Answer: C) Volunteering for a charitable cause
Explanation: Volunteering is not considered deviant behavior, as it aligns with societal values and norms. Deviant behavior involves breaking norms or laws.
14. In the context of criminal psychology, what does the term “psychopathy” refer to?
A) A mental illness that causes irrational thoughts
B) A personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior
C) A condition of extreme paranoia
D) A mental state that results from trauma
Answer: B) A personality disorder marked by antisocial behavior
Explanation: Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for others’ rights, and a propensity for violent or criminal behavior.
15. What role does cognitive distortion play in criminal behavior?
A) It makes people more empathetic toward others.
B) It contributes to justifying harmful behaviors.
C) It leads to a decrease in criminal thoughts.
D) It enhances one’s moral values.
Answer: B) It contributes to justifying harmful behaviors.
Explanation: Cognitive distortions, such as minimizing or justifying criminal actions, enable individuals to rationalize their behavior and reduce feelings of guilt.
16. Which of the following best describes the role of social control in preventing crime?
A) It encourages individuals to engage in criminal behavior.
B) It strengthens bonds between individuals and societal institutions.
C) It isolates individuals from social interaction.
D) It minimizes the consequences of criminal actions.
Answer: B) It strengthens bonds between individuals and societal institutions.
Explanation: Social control theory suggests that when individuals have strong bonds with family, school, and community, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior.
17. What is a major limitation of the biological theory of crime?
A) It ignores the role of social influences on behavior.
B) It fails to explain the development of personality.
C) It focuses too much on the environment.
D) It doesn’t account for genetic factors.
Answer: A) It ignores the role of social influences on behavior.
Explanation: The biological theory primarily focuses on genetic and physiological factors, often neglecting the influence of social and environmental factors on criminal behavior.
18. Which psychological theory is based on the idea that crime is the result of an individual’s failure to conform to societal norms?
A) Strain theory
B) Social control theory
C) Routine activities theory
D) Social learning theory
Answer: B) Social control theory
Explanation: Social control theory posits that people conform to societal norms because of the bonds they share with others, and when these bonds are weak, crime is more likely to occur.
19. What is one major criticism of the psychoanalytic theory of crime?
A) It overemphasizes genetic influences.
B) It fails to account for environmental influences.
C) It doesn’t acknowledge the role of social learning.
D) It neglects the importance of personality traits.
Answer: B) It fails to account for environmental influences.
Explanation: Psychoanalytic theory focuses on unconscious conflicts but often overlooks the role that social and environmental factors play in criminal behavior.
20. According to the routine activities theory, crime occurs when which of the following factors converge?
A) A motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of guardianship
B) A lack of empathy, a weak family structure, and a motivated offender
C) A deviant group, a victim, and opportunity
D) Genetic predisposition, substance abuse, and exposure to crime
Answer: A) A motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of guardianship
Explanation: Routine activities theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, an opportunity for the crime (a suitable target), and a lack of protection or guardianship.
