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Differential Association Theory of Juvenile Delinquency

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the Differential Association Theory of Juvenile Delinquency, a prominent theory in criminology that explains the causes of delinquent behavior.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: differential association theory juvenile delinquency criminology
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According to the Differential Association Theory, what is the primary factor that influences an individual's delinquent behavior?

  1. Biological factors

  2. Psychological factors

  3. Social factors

  4. Economic factors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory emphasizes the role of social factors, particularly the influence of delinquent peers and associations, in shaping an individual's delinquent behavior.

Who proposed the Differential Association Theory?

  1. Edwin Sutherland

  2. Robert K. Merton

  3. Travis Hirschi

  4. Albert Cohen


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Edwin Sutherland is credited with developing the Differential Association Theory in his book 'Principles of Criminology' published in 1939.

What is the central concept of the Differential Association Theory?

  1. Social learning

  2. Social control

  3. Strain theory

  4. Labeling theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory is based on the idea that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly delinquent peers and associations.

According to the theory, what are the primary mechanisms through which delinquent behavior is learned?

  1. Imitation

  2. Reinforcement

  3. Modeling

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory suggests that delinquent behavior is learned through a combination of imitation, reinforcement, and modeling of delinquent behaviors observed in others.

What is the relationship between the frequency and duration of delinquent associations and the likelihood of delinquent behavior?

  1. Positive correlation

  2. Negative correlation

  3. No correlation

  4. U-shaped relationship


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory posits that the more frequent and prolonged the exposure to delinquent associations, the higher the likelihood of an individual engaging in delinquent behavior.

What is the role of non-delinquent associations in the Differential Association Theory?

  1. They counteract the influence of delinquent associations

  2. They have no influence on delinquent behavior

  3. They increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior

  4. They vary in their influence depending on the individual


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Non-delinquent associations, such as family, school, and pro-social peers, can provide positive influences that counteract the negative effects of delinquent associations.

How does the Differential Association Theory explain the variation in delinquent behavior across different social groups?

  1. Differential opportunities

  2. Cultural transmission

  3. Social disorganization

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory incorporates concepts such as differential opportunities, cultural transmission, and social disorganization to explain variations in delinquent behavior across different social groups.

What are some of the criticisms of the Differential Association Theory?

  1. It ignores biological and psychological factors

  2. It oversimplifies the causes of delinquent behavior

  3. It does not account for individual differences

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Critics argue that the Differential Association Theory neglects biological and psychological factors, oversimplifies the causes of delinquent behavior, and fails to consider individual differences that may influence delinquent behavior.

Despite the criticisms, why is the Differential Association Theory still considered a significant theory in criminology?

  1. It provides a strong foundation for understanding the role of social factors in delinquent behavior

  2. It has been supported by empirical research

  3. It has been influential in shaping crime prevention and intervention strategies

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory remains significant because it emphasizes the importance of social factors, has empirical support, and has influenced the development of crime prevention and intervention strategies.

How can the Differential Association Theory be applied to reduce juvenile delinquency?

  1. By providing positive role models and mentors

  2. By strengthening family and community bonds

  3. By reducing exposure to delinquent peers and associations

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory suggests that reducing juvenile delinquency involves providing positive role models, strengthening family and community ties, and reducing exposure to delinquent peers and associations.

Which of the following is NOT a key element of the Differential Association Theory?

  1. Frequency of delinquent associations

  2. Duration of delinquent associations

  3. Intensity of delinquent associations

  4. Biological factors


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Biological factors are not a key element of the Differential Association Theory, which focuses primarily on social factors and learning through interaction with others.

The Differential Association Theory suggests that delinquent behavior is:

  1. Innate and unchangeable

  2. Learned through social interaction

  3. A result of biological factors

  4. Caused by psychological disorders


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory emphasizes that delinquent behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly delinquent peers and associations.

According to the theory, the more exposure an individual has to delinquent associations, the:

  1. Less likely they are to engage in delinquent behavior

  2. More likely they are to engage in delinquent behavior

  3. No effect on their likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior

  4. Varies depending on the individual's personality


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory posits that the more frequent and prolonged the exposure to delinquent associations, the higher the likelihood of an individual engaging in delinquent behavior.

The Differential Association Theory has been criticized for:

  1. Ignoring the role of biological factors

  2. Oversimplifying the causes of delinquent behavior

  3. Not considering individual differences

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Critics argue that the Differential Association Theory neglects biological and psychological factors, oversimplifies the causes of delinquent behavior, and fails to consider individual differences that may influence delinquent behavior.

Despite the criticisms, the Differential Association Theory remains influential because it:

  1. Provides a strong foundation for understanding the role of social factors in delinquent behavior

  2. Has been supported by empirical research

  3. Has influenced the development of crime prevention and intervention strategies

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Differential Association Theory remains significant because it emphasizes the importance of social factors, has empirical support, and has influenced the development of crime prevention and intervention strategies.

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