CMY1501
Introduction to Criminology:
Crime, Offenders and Criminal Behaviour
Department of Criminology and Security
Science
Assignment 02 for Semester 02 (compulsory)
Unique Number 836237
Due Date: 16 September 2020
Before you start answering the multiple-choice questions, please ensure that you first read
the instructions, which appear in the booklet entitled: Instructions for mark-reading sheet.
NB: You only have to mark the corresponding number on your mark-reading sheet regarding
each of the twenty five (25) questions. Please make sure that you only mark one (1) correct
answer per question. If you mark two (2) numbers on your mark-reading sheet it will be
marked as wrong. Make sure that you answer all 25 questions asked below in the manner
explained above. The answers to these questions can be found in your study guide.
ASSIGNMENT 02: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Human behaviour is a product of social, biological, psychological or economic forces that
call for treatment rather than punishment. This premise relates to the …
1. feminist theory.
2. postmodernist approach.
3. positivistic approach.
4. social structure approach.
Answer:
Refer to page 25 of the study guide:
The Positivistic School, according to White and Haines (2001:31), was in fact founded upon
the conviction that society (civilisation) is progressing ever forward and that the social
scientist can study society, provide a more accurate understanding of how society works,
and ultimately provide a rational means of overcoming existing social problems and ills by
using scientific methods. Williams and McShane (2010:171–2) stress further in this regard
that the primary characteristics of positivist criminological thought [essentially empiricism]
are a deterministic view of the world, a focus on criminal behaviour instead of on legal
, issues such as rights, and the prevention of crime through the [individualised] treatment
and rehabilitation of offenders. Positivism essentially stressed the idea that much human
behaviour is a function of external social forces beyond individual control, and internal
forces such as mental capabilities (psychological determinism) and biological makeup
(biological determinism) – people were beginning to be viewed and understood as beings
that are part of the animal kingdom, whose behaviour was very much influenced (if not
determined) by social, cultural and biological antecedents, rather than as self-determined
beings who were free to do what they wanted (White & Haines 2001:38).
2. Which option below is linked to one’s beliefs, expectations and self-concept?
1. Emotions
2. Cognitions
3. Needs
4. Motives
Answer:
Refer to page 91 of the study guide:
Cognitions refer to mental events such as beliefs, expectations and the self-concept.
Cognitive sources of motivation revolve around the person's way of thinking
3. The … theory forms part of the … theories.
1. trait; biological
2. social disorganisation; social control
3. cultural deviance; social structure
4. rational choice; feminist
Answer:
Refer to page 164 of the study guide:
Social disorganisation
Social disorganisation theory is a branch of the social structure theories that focus on the
breakdown of institutions such as the family, school, and employment in inner-city
neighbourhoods.
4. For … offenders, an early onset of crime is a risk factor and they usually only take stock
of their lives in their late thirties or early forties.
1. juvenile
2. habitual
3. child
4. mentally ill
Introduction to Criminology:
Crime, Offenders and Criminal Behaviour
Department of Criminology and Security
Science
Assignment 02 for Semester 02 (compulsory)
Unique Number 836237
Due Date: 16 September 2020
Before you start answering the multiple-choice questions, please ensure that you first read
the instructions, which appear in the booklet entitled: Instructions for mark-reading sheet.
NB: You only have to mark the corresponding number on your mark-reading sheet regarding
each of the twenty five (25) questions. Please make sure that you only mark one (1) correct
answer per question. If you mark two (2) numbers on your mark-reading sheet it will be
marked as wrong. Make sure that you answer all 25 questions asked below in the manner
explained above. The answers to these questions can be found in your study guide.
ASSIGNMENT 02: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Human behaviour is a product of social, biological, psychological or economic forces that
call for treatment rather than punishment. This premise relates to the …
1. feminist theory.
2. postmodernist approach.
3. positivistic approach.
4. social structure approach.
Answer:
Refer to page 25 of the study guide:
The Positivistic School, according to White and Haines (2001:31), was in fact founded upon
the conviction that society (civilisation) is progressing ever forward and that the social
scientist can study society, provide a more accurate understanding of how society works,
and ultimately provide a rational means of overcoming existing social problems and ills by
using scientific methods. Williams and McShane (2010:171–2) stress further in this regard
that the primary characteristics of positivist criminological thought [essentially empiricism]
are a deterministic view of the world, a focus on criminal behaviour instead of on legal
, issues such as rights, and the prevention of crime through the [individualised] treatment
and rehabilitation of offenders. Positivism essentially stressed the idea that much human
behaviour is a function of external social forces beyond individual control, and internal
forces such as mental capabilities (psychological determinism) and biological makeup
(biological determinism) – people were beginning to be viewed and understood as beings
that are part of the animal kingdom, whose behaviour was very much influenced (if not
determined) by social, cultural and biological antecedents, rather than as self-determined
beings who were free to do what they wanted (White & Haines 2001:38).
2. Which option below is linked to one’s beliefs, expectations and self-concept?
1. Emotions
2. Cognitions
3. Needs
4. Motives
Answer:
Refer to page 91 of the study guide:
Cognitions refer to mental events such as beliefs, expectations and the self-concept.
Cognitive sources of motivation revolve around the person's way of thinking
3. The … theory forms part of the … theories.
1. trait; biological
2. social disorganisation; social control
3. cultural deviance; social structure
4. rational choice; feminist
Answer:
Refer to page 164 of the study guide:
Social disorganisation
Social disorganisation theory is a branch of the social structure theories that focus on the
breakdown of institutions such as the family, school, and employment in inner-city
neighbourhoods.
4. For … offenders, an early onset of crime is a risk factor and they usually only take stock
of their lives in their late thirties or early forties.
1. juvenile
2. habitual
3. child
4. mentally ill