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Social Perceptions of Crime

Social perceptions of crime are influenced by various factors, including the racial composition of neighborhoods. Research indicates that larger populations of African Americans are often linked to heightened perceptions of crime, regardless of the actual crime rates. This highlights the critical role that societal biases play in shaping views on criminality and the consequent impact on law enforcement practices and policies.

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1

Which of the following best describes how social perceptions of crime can influence social policy decisions?

When people are scared of crime, they often want more safety measures. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that fear of crime means w...

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2

How does public perception influence the concept of deviance in society?

Public opinion helps decide what behaviors are seen as deviant. Other options are incorrect because Some might think public views don't matter at all;...

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3

How do racial disparities influence social perceptions of crime and experiences of victimization in society?

Racial disparities can cause some groups to face more crime. Other options are incorrect because Some might think race doesn't matter in crime views; ...

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4

How does the social construction of crime influence perceptions of the criminal justice system and the adherence to social norms in society?

Different cultures see crime in different ways. Other options are incorrect because Not all societies agree on what crime is; The process of justice i...

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5

How does media influence the public's perception of crime, potentially leading to moral panic and changes in social policy?

Media often shows crime in a dramatic way. Other options are incorrect because Some think media doesn't affect how we see crime; This idea suggests me...

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6

Which of the following best describes the social construction of crime?

Different cultures and societies see crime in different ways. Other options are incorrect because Some people think laws alone define crime; This idea...

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7

What term describes the views held by the general public regarding the nature and prevalence of crime in society?

Public perception means how people think about crime. Other options are incorrect because This term refers to the system that deals with crime, like p...

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8

How does media influence public perception of crime rates?

Media often shows crime stories in a dramatic way. Other options are incorrect because Many people believe the media shares true crime statistics; Som...

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9

Which of the following statements accurately reflect the influence of racial composition on social perceptions of crime? Select all that apply.

Other options are incorrect because Some people think that more African Americans in a neighborhood means more crime; Many believe that crime rates do...

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10

What underlying cause contributes to the perception of increased crime in neighborhoods with larger African American populations, despite actual crime rates being controlled?

People often have biases and stereotypes about race. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher crime rates are the reason for t...

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11

Arrange the following factors in the order they influence social perceptions of crime in a neighborhood: A) Racial composition, B) Actual crime rates, C) Societal biases, D) Media portrayal of crime.

People often form opinions about crime based on the racial makeup of a neighborhood first. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that real...

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12

The social perception of crime is often disproportionately influenced by the _____ composition of a neighborhood, leading to biases in how crime is viewed, regardless of actual crime rates.

People often judge crime based on the race of the people in a neighborhood. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that money problems c...

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13

A city experiences a rise in crime rates, but the local newspaper emphasizes the demographic shifts in the neighborhood, particularly highlighting the increasing African American population. How should one classify the newspaper's portrayal of crime in this context?

The newspaper's focus on race can strengthen negative views about African Americans. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the article ...

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14

Social perceptions of crime can be influenced by demographic factors in a neighborhood similarly to how A. the presence of trees influences air quality. B. public transportation availability influences job access. C. the presence of parks influences community engagement. D. the diversity of a neighborhood influences educational outcomes.

Diversity in a neighborhood can change how people see crime. Other options are incorrect because Some might think trees help with crime perception; Pe...

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15

How do societal biases influence perceptions of crime in neighborhoods with varying racial compositions?

People often think neighborhoods with more African Americans have more crime. Other options are incorrect because Some believe crime views only come f...

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16

How does racial composition in neighborhoods affect perceptions of crime, regardless of actual crime rates?

When neighborhoods have more African American residents, some people may wrongly think there is more crime. Other options are incorrect because Some m...

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17

A city council is debating whether to increase police presence in neighborhoods with larger populations of African Americans, citing community concerns about crime. Based on your understanding of social perceptions of crime, which approach would best address the underlying issues without reinforcing biases?

Talking to the community helps understand their feelings about crime. Other options are incorrect because Some might think more police will make peopl...

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