1. Explain routine activity theory. What are the main concepts? Define each one. What did Cohen and Felson say was the key reason for the rises in predatory offenses after World War II?

2. What is situational crime prevention? How can crime opportunities be blocked or made less attractive? Finally, what prompted Clarke to come up with the idea of situational crime prevention?

3. What are the tenets of rational choice theories? What are the criticisms of the theory?

4. What is perceptual deterrence theory? Identify and explain the three ways in which this perspective differs from rational choice theory.

5. What is Eck’s concern? How does he see crime? Explain Eck’s “crime triangle. Feel free to draw the triangle if it helps you explain yourself better. Also, explain the following concepts as they relate to Eck’s ideas: Handlers, guardians, and managers.

Ch. 14

6. Explain Mednick’s biosocial theory. How does the concept of fear play into his perspective? Additionally, explain hyperarousal and how this relates to Mednick’s views.

7. What do biochemical theories argue? In your response make sure to discuss sex hormones and neurotransmitters. How does testosterone influence the aggressive and/or dominant personalities that males tend to have? Additionally, what are neurotransmitters and what neurotransmitters seem to be most closely associated with crime and antisocial behavior? Discuss these neurotransmitters in detail.

8. Explain the genetic biosocial approach. Make sure to identify and explain each type of genetics discussed by Lilley and his colleagues. What genetic approach appeals to you? Why?

9. Fishbein argues that before we can begin to design and implement programs and policies based on biosocial criminology, the relevance and significance of biological perspectives for criminology must be fully evaluated. Identify and explain the four prerequisite she suggested before such an evaluation can occur. Do you see a need for these steps to be completed before we develop and implement programs and policies in this field of criminology?

Ch. 15

10. Explain Elliott and colleagues’ integrated strain-control paradigm. Make sure to address integration and commitment as well as the two pathways to delinquency.

11. Briefly explain Thornberry’s interactional model. What is his basic model and what is the model based on? Additionally, explain how Thornberry and his colleagues transformed interactional theory into a life-course approach. Make sure to explain the three different stages in the life-course that can explain why onset into misconduct might occur.

12. Explain and provide an example of the following life-course theories: Continuity in offending; offending marked by continuity or change; offending marked by continuity and change; and change in offending. Which theory do you agree with most? Why?

13. Explain in detail Moffitt’s life-course-persistent/adolescence-limited theory. Do you support this theory? Why or why not?