The theory that holds that "crime occurs when individuals perceive it is in their interest to engage in crime and see the benefits outweigh the cost", is known as the classical rational choice theory. True or false.

The theory that holds that "crime occurs when individuals perceive it is in their interest to engage in crime and see the benefits outweigh the cost", is known as the classical rational choice theory. True or false.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

People weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to commit crime, which is the essence of rational choice theory. The classical view holds that individuals act as rational decision-makers, evaluating the potential benefits of a crime against the expected costs, including how likely they are to be caught and how severe the punishment would be. If the perceived benefits exceed the perceived costs, crime becomes the favored option. The statement describes that exact calculation—believing the act is in one’s interest and that the benefits outweigh the costs—so it is true. Deterrence policies work on this idea by increasing the perceived costs (likelihood and severity of punishment) to shift the calculation away from crime.

People weigh costs and benefits when deciding whether to commit crime, which is the essence of rational choice theory. The classical view holds that individuals act as rational decision-makers, evaluating the potential benefits of a crime against the expected costs, including how likely they are to be caught and how severe the punishment would be. If the perceived benefits exceed the perceived costs, crime becomes the favored option. The statement describes that exact calculation—believing the act is in one’s interest and that the benefits outweigh the costs—so it is true. Deterrence policies work on this idea by increasing the perceived costs (likelihood and severity of punishment) to shift the calculation away from crime.