According to the rational choice approach, the decision to commit a crime is influenced by: a. the presence of factors encouraging crime and the absence of factors discouraging it. b. the victim's characteristics and potential reaction. c. the presence or absence of competing offenders. d. the location of the crime and the characteristics of the target.

According to the rational choice approach, the decision to commit a crime is influenced by several factors, not just one. This approach suggests that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential risks and rewards of their actions. While all the options you provided can be considered factors that might influence the decision to commit a crime, the rational choice theory primarily focuses on (a) the presence of factors encouraging crime and the absence of factors discouraging it.

• This core idea posits that if the potential gains from a crime are perceived to be high and the risks or consequences of being caught are low, a person may be more likely to choose to commit the crime. Rational choice theory assumes that individuals weigh these considerations before deciding to engage in criminal behavior.