Study Guide for Exam 2
JLC 205-003: Introduction to Criminology

Remember, the exam will consist of a variety of questions. There will be multiple choice,
true/false, matching, definitions, and/or short answer question. Please note, the questions
below are some or a model of the questions I will use. Do not be surprised if you see a
different form of questions on the exam.

The exam will open up on Canvas on Thursday, March 24th at 12:00 AM and will close
on Thursday, March 24th at 11:59 PM. You will only have 90 minutes to complete the
exam. Choose your time wisely.

If you have a documented disability, and are requesting alternative testing
accommodations, please email or see me ASAP to make sure we are able to adequately
accommodate you. If you feel you need accommodations, please see the syllabus for
information on how to access AU’s Academic Support and Access Center.


Sample Questions:
1. In early biological theories of crime, what were the explanations of criminal
behavior according to Lombroso, Goring, and Sheldon?

2. What were the beliefs of classical criminologists compared to neoclassical
criminologists?

3. What were the means of punishment according to classical and neoclassical
criminologists?

4. What are the differences between the classical school and positivist school?

5. What influence did the classical school have on criminal justice policy?

6. What influence did the positivist school have on criminal justice policy?

7. According to our class discussion on recent research findings, which factors of
deterrence determines perceived threat of punishment?

8. What is the definition of anomie?

9. True or False: According to Merton’s Theory of Anomie, adapting to strain with
retreatism is rejecting the rules and goals, and substituting new rules and goals.

10. According to Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory, what are the three types of
negative relationships that conceptualize strain?

11. What theory describes criminals as having an alternative reproduction strategy
(namely sleeping with many women rather than being tied down) that predisposes
one to crime and deviance?

12. What is Anderson’s “Code of the Street” theory and how does it apply to
disadvantaged neighborhoods?

13. According to the reading “The Code of the Streets,” what are Anderson’s main
arguments about the enforcement of street rules and conduct?

14. List ways in which criminologists can evaluate good theory.

15. What is gambler’s fallacy and how is it related to rational choice theory?

16. What is the difference between early biological theory and modern biological
theory?

17. What did the Chicago School of criminology seek to examine?

18. What were the legal issues associated with Ralph Tortorici’s insanity defense?
How did criminal justice actors (e.g., prosecutor, jury, judge, etc.) respond?

19. What are Merton’s five modes of adaptation? How does this apply to criminal
responses?

20. According to Agnew’s General Strain Theory, why does strain ultimately lead to
crime?

21. What does subculture theory seek to explain?

22. What are the main arguments of social disorganization and ecology theories?