Criminology (theories) Study Guide
Exam Questions and Actual Answers
2025-2026 Set.
Conflict theory - Answer the view that human behavior is shaped by interpersonal conflict and
that those who maintain social power will use it to further their own ends
Rational choice theory - Answer the view that crime is a function of a decision-making process
in which the would-be offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act
Trait theory - Answer the view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or
psychological traits
Social structure theory - Answer the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a
primary cause of crime
Social process theory - Answer the view that criminality is a function of people's interactions
with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society
Racial threat theory - Answer as the size of the black population increases, the perceived
threat to the white population increases, resulting in a greater amount of social control imposed
on blacks
Victim precipitation theory - Answer the view that victims may initiate, either actively or
passively, the confrontation that leads to their victimization
Deviant place theory - Answer the view that victimization is primarily a function of where
people live
Routine activities theory - Answer the view that victimization results from the interaction of
three everyday factors: the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians,
and the presence of motivated offenders
Arousal theory - Answer the view that people seek to maintain a preferred level of arousal but
vary in how they process sensory input. A need for high levels of environmental stimulation may
Exam Questions and Actual Answers
2025-2026 Set.
Conflict theory - Answer the view that human behavior is shaped by interpersonal conflict and
that those who maintain social power will use it to further their own ends
Rational choice theory - Answer the view that crime is a function of a decision-making process
in which the would-be offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act
Trait theory - Answer the view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or
psychological traits
Social structure theory - Answer the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a
primary cause of crime
Social process theory - Answer the view that criminality is a function of people's interactions
with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society
Racial threat theory - Answer as the size of the black population increases, the perceived
threat to the white population increases, resulting in a greater amount of social control imposed
on blacks
Victim precipitation theory - Answer the view that victims may initiate, either actively or
passively, the confrontation that leads to their victimization
Deviant place theory - Answer the view that victimization is primarily a function of where
people live
Routine activities theory - Answer the view that victimization results from the interaction of
three everyday factors: the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians,
and the presence of motivated offenders
Arousal theory - Answer the view that people seek to maintain a preferred level of arousal but
vary in how they process sensory input. A need for high levels of environmental stimulation may
