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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Many youths who participate in violence are found to have been these during childhood.

2. Children are fundamentally ________________.

3. The human impulse to focus on the legacy we leave behind for future generations is called __________________.

4. Learning about the destruction of human bodies is __________________.

5. In addition to helping deter violent teens, character education helps to __________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What are home visiting programs, and why do they work?

2. What is the debate on the role of government and public institutions in child development?

3. Explain why some boys seek out a negative universe.

4. What does Garbarino point out in his ten facts of violent life in terms of the temperament of violent youth?

5. Explain trauma, and why and how the learning of human fragility can be traumatic.

6. What are the four breakdowns of childhood protection that Garbarino discusses in the book?

7. What is social support, as a foundation for resilience, and what are the two dimensions of social support?

8. What are depersonalization and desensitization, and how do they encourage violence?

9. What is a moral circle, and how does this affect violent teens?

10. Explain why military veterans are not violent, considering they have both depersonalized the enemy and have been desensitized.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, statistics are used to support many of the concepts within the book. On the other hand, Garbarino himself mentions the limitations of statistics as he discusses the numbers of homicides each year. Discuss the limitations of statistics, as discussed by Garbarino. Be sure to include why the numbers may be false, and how they may be misread. Next, apply the same concepts to the statistics Garbarino himself uses in the book. What are the dangers of using statistics to support ideas?

Essay Topic 2

In the book, Garbarino argues that in order for his political agenda to succeed, public institutions must be used, and that the Declaration of Independence defines the position of the government within the role of child development. Why does he believe this document is key to defining the contract between government and society? What does he say about equal rights, human rights, and public happiness? What does he say the document says about why the government exists? How has history altered this initial contract to make it fit for all people? Do you agree with Garbarino about the relationship between government and society? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, there are several moments where Garbarino asks us to reflect on our own feelings and actions. Compare and contrast the violent youth to yourself. Be sure to compare moral circles, risk factors, perceived or real injustices, social prejudice, social conditions, capability for empathy and compassion, and spirituality. Through your comparison, answer the question of why your morals are different than those of violent youth.

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