Chapter 2 Vocab

The scientific study of crime and the causes of criminal behavior

A specialist in the field of crime and the causes of criminal behavior

An explanation of a happeningor circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning

A school of criminology that holds that wrongdoers act as if they weigh he possible benefits of crimnal or delinquent activity against the expected costs of being apprehended. When the benefits are greater than the expected costs, the offender will make a rational choice to commit a crime or delinqent act

The science of living rganisms, including their structure, function, growth and origin

Th scientific study of mental processes and behavior

A chemical substance, produced in tissue and conveyed in the bloodstream, that controls certain cellular and bodily function such as growth nd reproduction

The hormone primarily responsible for the production of sperm and development of male secondary sex characteristics such as teh growth of facial and pubic hair and the change of voice pitch

A mental disorder marked by an inability to conform to society's norms and corresponding difficulties in communicating with other people ad reacting to stressful situations

A metal illness that is characterized by antisocial behavior and other specific criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association

Drug use that results in physical or psychological problems for the user, as well as disruption of personal relationships and employment

The theory that deviant behavior is more likely in communities where social institutions such as the family, schools, and the criminal justice system fail to exert control over the population.

A school of criminology that considers criminal behavior to be the predictable result of a person’s interaction with his or her environment. According to these theories, everybody has the potential for wrongdoing. Those who act on this potential are conditioned to do so by family or peer groups, or institutions such as the media.

The hypothesis that delinquents and criminals must be taught the practical and emotional skills necessary to participate in illegal activity

The hypothesis that society creates crime and criminals by labeling certain behavior and certain people as deviant. The stigma that results from this social process excludes a person from community, thereby increasing the chances that she or he will adopt the labels as her or his identity and engage in a pattern of criminal behavior.