Exam 4: Rational Choice Theory

_______ is the idea of convincing criminals that committing a serious crime is too risky and that other, less-dangerous crimes or actions might be a better choice.

Explain what is meant by the seductions of crime. How does it lead to criminal behavior.

In Ronald Clarke's CRAVED model, the "C" stands for ___________________.

When efforts to prevent one crime benefit another crime or area, it is referred to as _________________.

Some evidence suggests that criminals are rational. Discuss some of these findings through the use of an example.

Beccaria's beliefs and writings about the proportionality of crime and punishment have been credited as the basis for the elimination of what nineteenth-century practice?

The three components of deterrence theory are severity, certainty, and speed of legal sanctions (punishment). Of these components, deterrence theorists tend to believe that which component of punishment seems to have the strongest impact?

Explain the elements of general deterrence. Include a discussion of the importance of perceived punishment.

Discuss the effectiveness of incapacitation as a crime-control strategy.

The choice of crime may be dictated by market conditions.

The faster punishment is applied, and the more closely it is linked to the crime, the more likely it will serve as a deterrent.

Crackdowns are sudden changes in police activity designed to lower crime rates through an increase in the communicated threat or certainty of punishment. What does research indicate about the effectiveness of crackdowns?

The excitement or exhilaration of successfully executing illegal activities in dangerous situations is known as _________________.

Some rational choice theorists believe that all criminal behavior, no matter how destructive or seemingly irresponsible, is actually a matter of thought and decision making.

Before choosing to commit a crime, ________ criminals evaluate the risk of apprehension, the seriousness of punishment, the potential value, and the immediate need for criminal gain.

Fear of shame, embarrassment, and humiliation can be powerful general deterrents to crime. An individual's fear of exposure and consequent shaming may vary according to the _________ of community structure and type of crime.

Rational choice theory is rooted in the classical school of criminology developed by:

Crime may be reduced by making it difficult for people to _____ their criminal behavior by saying things like "I didn't know that was illegal."

Discuss the five strategies of situational crime prevention efforts. Provide an example for each.

According to rational choice theory, why might a criminal decide not to commit crime?