Criminology Exam #1 (SOCIOL 3600,
Mizzou) Questions and Answers Graded
A+
CHAPTER 1
What is Criminology? - Correct answer-The scientific study of the definition,
forms, causes, and societal reactions to criminal behavior.
What is Victimology? - Correct answer-The study of the victims of crime.
What is Criminal Justice? - Correct answer-The application of legal systems such
as policing, courts, and corrections.
What is Criminalisitics? - Correct answer-The scientific study of physical
evidence.
What is the progression of knowledge, and its three stages? - Correct answer-
Developed by Comte, it is the steps taken in our ways of thinking.
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,1) Theological/Supernatural
2) Metaphysical (Philosophical)
3) Positive (Scientific)
Where did criminology emerge? - Correct answer-In late 1700s Europe, though it
was largely racist and based on "biology".
Who is the "Dean of Sociology"? - Correct answer-Edwin Sutherland (US)
What is deviant behavior? - Correct answer-Behavior outside of society's
expectations.
What are Sumner's Three types of Norms? - Correct answer-1) Folkways--least
serious norms, and refer to traditions, customs, manners, etc. No sanctions.
2) Mores--more serious customs that involvement moral judgements *plus*
sanctions.
3) Laws--legally codified rules of behavior.
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,What is the difference b/w crimes that are 'mala prohibita' and 'mala in se'? -
Correct answer-*Mala prohibita*--acts that are bad because they are prohibited by
law.
*Mala in se*--acts that are bad in themselves, regardless of the law.
What is the difference between undercriminalization and overcriminalization? -
Correct answer-*Undercriminalization* occurs when laws fail to prohibit acts that
are mala in se.
*Overcriminalization* occurs when the law fails to prohibit acts that are mala
prohibita.
What are Gemeinschaft societies? - Correct answer-Societies that have informal
social control of its subjects.
- Simple
- Commual
- Sacred traditions
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, - Lack of extensive division of labor.
- *Folkways and mores are sufficient regulators*
What are Gesellschaft societies? - Correct answer-Societies where formal control is
necessary.
- Complex
- Individualistic
- Extensive division of labor
- Secular, variety of moral views.
What are the best means of social control? - Correct answer-Informal controls, like
folkways and mores.
What are the two types of functions a law can have? - Correct answer-Manifest
functions--intended.
Latent functions--unintended.
What does an increased use of the law reflect? - Correct answer-The weakening
methods of social control.
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Mizzou) Questions and Answers Graded
A+
CHAPTER 1
What is Criminology? - Correct answer-The scientific study of the definition,
forms, causes, and societal reactions to criminal behavior.
What is Victimology? - Correct answer-The study of the victims of crime.
What is Criminal Justice? - Correct answer-The application of legal systems such
as policing, courts, and corrections.
What is Criminalisitics? - Correct answer-The scientific study of physical
evidence.
What is the progression of knowledge, and its three stages? - Correct answer-
Developed by Comte, it is the steps taken in our ways of thinking.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,1) Theological/Supernatural
2) Metaphysical (Philosophical)
3) Positive (Scientific)
Where did criminology emerge? - Correct answer-In late 1700s Europe, though it
was largely racist and based on "biology".
Who is the "Dean of Sociology"? - Correct answer-Edwin Sutherland (US)
What is deviant behavior? - Correct answer-Behavior outside of society's
expectations.
What are Sumner's Three types of Norms? - Correct answer-1) Folkways--least
serious norms, and refer to traditions, customs, manners, etc. No sanctions.
2) Mores--more serious customs that involvement moral judgements *plus*
sanctions.
3) Laws--legally codified rules of behavior.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,What is the difference b/w crimes that are 'mala prohibita' and 'mala in se'? -
Correct answer-*Mala prohibita*--acts that are bad because they are prohibited by
law.
*Mala in se*--acts that are bad in themselves, regardless of the law.
What is the difference between undercriminalization and overcriminalization? -
Correct answer-*Undercriminalization* occurs when laws fail to prohibit acts that
are mala in se.
*Overcriminalization* occurs when the law fails to prohibit acts that are mala
prohibita.
What are Gemeinschaft societies? - Correct answer-Societies that have informal
social control of its subjects.
- Simple
- Commual
- Sacred traditions
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, - Lack of extensive division of labor.
- *Folkways and mores are sufficient regulators*
What are Gesellschaft societies? - Correct answer-Societies where formal control is
necessary.
- Complex
- Individualistic
- Extensive division of labor
- Secular, variety of moral views.
What are the best means of social control? - Correct answer-Informal controls, like
folkways and mores.
What are the two types of functions a law can have? - Correct answer-Manifest
functions--intended.
Latent functions--unintended.
What does an increased use of the law reflect? - Correct answer-The weakening
methods of social control.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
