Final answer:
The main difference between trait and choice theories is the source of behavioral control. Trait theories suggest crime is learned and influenced by social relationships, like within families, while choice theories argue crime results from rational decisions based on cost-benefit analysis. Hence the correct option is b. the source of behavioral control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between trait theories and choice theories in the context of criminology is b. the source of behavioral control. Trait theories, such as Sutherland's theory of differential association, suggest that crime is learned behavior influenced by interpersonal relationships within a social structure, often starting within the family unit. This is seen when children of convicted criminals are more likely to engage in similar behaviors due to the modeled behavior and social norms in their environment.
In contrast, choice theories posit that criminal behavior is the outcome of a conscious decision made by the individual, based on a rational cost-benefit analysis. An example is when an individual evaluates the financial gain from a crime against the likelihood and severity of potential punishment, as seen in the case of deciding whether to commit tax evasion. They will opt for crime only when the perceived benefits outweigh the expected costs.
To exemplify, Travis Hirschi's Control Theory falls under the umbrella of trait theories. It expresses that the likeliness of deviance is influenced by social bonds and the level of integration into the community, which includes attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in societal values and norms.