Unit 1: Crime and Criminological Theory

Answer: D — The correct answer is D because the architect's design is using CPTED principles, which aim to prevent crime by manipulating the environment to reduce opportunities for crime. The other options are incorrect because they do not relate to crime prevention. Option A is incorrect because increasing the number of people in the area may not necessarily reduce crime. Option B is incorrect because while the building may be aesthetically pleasing, this is not the primary reason for the design. Option C is incorrect because making the building more accessible to people with disabilities is not the primary reason for the design, although it may be a secondary benefit.

Answer: D — Social Learning Theory is the correct answer because it suggests that crime is learned through interactions with others in disadvantaged environments, which aligns with the given scenario. The other options are incorrect because Broken Windows Theory focuses on the impact of urban decay on crime, Rational Choice Theory emphasizes individual decision-making, and Biological Theory attributes crime to genetic factors, none of which directly address the relationship between social and economic conditions and crime rates.

Answer: C — Strain Theory, proposed by Robert Merton, is the correct answer because it suggests that crime is a result of the strain caused by the disparity between an individual's aspirations and their actual economic circumstances. This theory can explain why not all individuals living in impoverished neighborhoods engage in criminal behavior, as some may have found alternative ways to cope with the strain. Rational Choice Theory (A) is incorrect because it does not account for the role of poverty and economic circumstances in shaping criminal behavior. Social Disorganization Theory (B) is also incorrect because it focuses on the breakdown of social institutions, rather than the individual-level strain caused by poverty. Biological Theory (D) is incorrect because it suggests that crime is the result of genetic or biological factors, rather than social or economic factors.

Answer: C — The correct answer is C) because the architect's design modifications, such as minimizing hiding spots and increasing visibility, are examples of CPTED principles. These design elements are intended to reduce opportunities for crime and increase the perceived risk of detection. Option A is incorrect because the broken windows theory focuses on the impact of visible signs of disorder on crime rates, rather than the physical design of buildings. Option B is incorrect because the rational choice theory is more related to the decision-making process of individual criminals, rather than the design of the environment. Option D is incorrect because the social learning theory is more focused on the role of observation and imitation in learning criminal behavior, rather than the physical environment.

Answer: A — This approach is based on Rational Choice Theory, which suggests that criminals weigh the potential costs and benefits of their actions before making a decision. By increasing the number of streetlights and improving home security measures, the police department is increasing the potential costs (e.g. risk of being caught) and reducing the potential benefits (e.g. ease of entry) of burglary, making it a less attractive option to potential burglars. The other options are incorrect because Social Learning Theory focuses on the role of learning and imitation in criminal behavior, Strain Theory focuses on the role of social and economic stress in causing crime, and Biological Theory focuses on the role of genetic and biological factors in causing crime.