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CRL practice questions

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Question 1Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

A classroom function lockset (ANSI F84) is designed to be locked or unlocked from the outside with a key. How is the inside lever typically operated?

  1. Always free for immediate egress Correct answer.
  2. Requires a key to exit
  3. Can be locked by a thumbturn
  4. Is always rigid and unmovable

Explanation

The primary safety feature of a classroom function lock is that the inside lever is always free, allowing occupants to exit the room without a key, even if the outside lever is locked.

Question 2Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

In a 6-pin master key system, what is the function of a master pin?

  1. It creates an additional shear line. Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the bottom pin.
  3. It is always the same size as the driver pin.
  4. It prevents the lock from being picked.

Explanation

A master pin is a small, disc-shaped tumbler placed between the bottom and driver pins, creating a second shear line. This allows both a change key and a master key to operate the lock.

Question 3Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

Which term describes an electric strike that remains locked during a power failure?

  1. Fail-Secure Correct answer.
  2. Fail-Safe
  3. Fail-Open
  4. Fail-Stop

Explanation

A fail-secure electric strike requires power to unlock. During a power failure, it remains locked, maintaining the security of the door.

Question 4Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

According to NFPA 80, what is the maximum permissible clearance at the bottom of a fire-rated door?

  1. 3/4 inch Correct answer.
  2. 1/8 inch
  3. 1/4 inch
  4. 1/2 inch

Explanation

NFPA 80, the Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, allows for a maximum clearance of 3/4 inch at the bottom of the door to allow for carpeting and thresholds while still preventing the spread of smoke and fire.

Question 5Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What tool is essential for keeping the driver pins and springs in the bible of the cylinder when removing the plug?

  1. Plug follower Correct answer.
  2. Plug spinner
  3. Pinning tweezers
  4. Key extractor

Explanation

A plug follower is a precisely sized tool used to push the plug out of the cylinder while simultaneously holding the driver pins and springs in place, preventing them from falling out.

Question 6Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When impressioning a lock, what does a small, shiny mark on the key blank typically indicate?

  1. The correct pin height has been reached.
  2. The pin is binding and needs to be filed. Correct answer.
  3. The key blank is made of soft material.
  4. The lock is worn out.

Explanation

During the impressioning process, wiggling the key causes binding pins to leave small, shiny marks on the key blank. These marks indicate where to file the key to create the correct cuts.

Question 7Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

A customer loses their keys and requests a new key for their home. What is the most responsible first question for the locksmith to ask?

  1. Can you provide proof of identity and ownership of the property? Correct answer.
  2. Do you want a master key system?
  3. What is your budget for this service?
  4. Have you checked with your neighbors?

Explanation

The most responsible first question for the locksmith to ask is for proof of identity and ownership of the property. This is a critical step in preventing unauthorized access to a property.

Question 8Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does 'keeper' refer to on an electric strike?

  1. The movable part of the strike that traps and releases the latchbolt. Correct answer.
  2. The person who is in charge of the access control system.
  3. The small magnet that holds the strike in the frame.
  4. The housing of the electric strike.

Explanation

The keeper is the pivoting or sliding component of the electric strike that holds the latchbolt of the lock. When the strike is energized (or de-energized, in the case of fail-safe), the keeper is released, allowing the door to be opened.

Question 9Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

On a pair of fire-rated doors, what hardware is required to ensure the inactive leaf closes first and stays closed?

  1. An automatic coordinator and flush bolts. Correct answer.
  2. A continuous hinge.
  3. A door closer on each leaf.
  4. A vertical rod exit device.

Explanation

A coordinator is a device that holds the active door open until the inactive leaf has closed, ensuring the doors close in the correct sequence. Flush bolts are then used to secure the inactive leaf to the frame at the top and bottom.

Question 10Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When rekeying a cylinder, a locksmith uses a 'pinning tray'. What is its purpose?

  1. To organize the pins in the correct order and prevent them from getting lost. Correct answer.
  2. To measure the depth of the old pins.
  3. To hold the cylinder securely during service.
  4. To test the new key after rekeying.

Explanation

A pinning tray is a small, compartmentalized tray used to lay out the pins for each chamber of a cylinder in a sequential and organized manner. This prevents pins from rolling away and helps the locksmith keep track of the correct pinning sequence.

Question 11Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'space and depth' key?

  1. A set of keys with pre-cut depths used to decode a lock by feel. Correct answer.
  2. A key that can change its own shape.
  3. A key with a built-in light.
  4. A master key for a large facility.

Explanation

A set of space and depth keys has keys cut to each possible depth at each possible position. By trying these keys in the lock, a locksmith can determine the correct bitting for each chamber and create a working key without picking or impressioning.

Question 12Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

A locksmith is often required to work in a customer's private home or office. This requires a high degree of:

  1. Trustworthiness and integrity. Correct answer.
  2. Physical strength.
  3. Salesmanship.
  4. Mechanical aptitude.

Explanation

Because locksmiths have access to a customer's property and security systems, it is paramount that they are trustworthy and act with integrity. A customer must have confidence that the locksmith will not abuse their access or knowledge.

Question 13Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the most common reason a door closer would leak oil?

  1. Worn or damaged seals. Correct answer.
  2. It was installed upside down.
  3. The backcheck was adjusted too tightly.
  4. The wrong type of oil was used.

Explanation

Door closers are hydraulic devices that rely on internal seals to keep the fluid contained. Over time, or due to physical damage, these seals can fail, causing the oil to leak out and the closer to lose its function. A leaking closer must be replaced.

Question 14Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does the 'footprint' of a safe lock refer to?

  1. The standardized mounting screw pattern of the lock body. Correct answer.
  2. The weight of the safe per square foot.
  3. The depth of the safe's body.
  4. The security rating of the lock.

Explanation

The footprint is the arrangement and spacing of the mounting screws on the back of the safe lock. Most quality safe locks adhere to a standard footprint, allowing them to be interchanged or upgraded without needing to drill new holes in the safe's door.

Question 15Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary function of a 'spool' or 'mushroom' pin in a lock cylinder?

  1. To provide resistance to picking attacks. Correct answer.
  2. To make the lock operate more smoothly.
  3. To allow for master keying.
  4. To prevent key bumping.

Explanation

Spool and mushroom pins are types of security pins designed to thwart picking. When a picking tool pushes them up, their unique shape catches on the edge of the shear line, providing false feedback to the picker and making it much more difficult to open the lock.

Question 16Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When drilling a safe, what is a 'hard plate' designed to do?

  1. Protect the lock from being drilled by shattering the drill bit. Correct answer.
  2. Provide a smooth surface for the lock to mount on.
  3. Reinforce the door against prying attacks.
  4. Conduct heat away from the lock in a fire.

Explanation

A hard plate is a piece of hardened steel, often containing ball bearings or other hard materials, placed between the safe door and the lock. Its purpose is to destroy the tip of a drill bit, preventing a burglar from drilling open the safe.

Question 17Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary difference between a mortise lock and a cylindrical lock?

  1. A mortise lock has a large, rectangular body that fits into a pocket in the edge of the door. Correct answer.
  2. A cylindrical lock is always more secure.
  3. A mortise lock can only be operated with a skeleton key.
  4. A cylindrical lock is designed for use on gates.

Explanation

A mortise lock is defined by its large case, which is installed into a deep pocket, or mortise, in the edge of the door. A cylindrical lock is installed by drilling two round holes in the face and edge of the door.

Question 18Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

In access control, what does 'anti-passback' prevent?

  1. A user from passing their credential back to a second person to use. Correct answer.
  2. The door from being opened from the outside.
  3. A card from being cloned.
  4. The system from working during a power outage.

Explanation

Anti-passback is a feature that requires a user to exit a secured area before they can re-enter. This prevents a user from badging in and then passing their card or fob back to another person to also badge in, thereby defeating the system's ability to track who is in the area.

Question 19Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'control key' used for in an interchangeable core system?

  1. To remove and install the core from the lock housing. Correct answer.
  2. To change the master key of the system.
  3. To bypass the lock in an emergency.
  4. To control the flow of electricity to the lock.

Explanation

The control key is a special key that is used to operate a mechanism within the core, allowing it to be removed from the lock housing without disassembling the lock. This allows for rapid rekeying of a facility.

Question 20Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

Which key duplication method is best for high-security keys with complex warding?

  1. Code cutting Correct answer.
  2. Manual duplication
  3. Impressioning
  4. Casting

Explanation

Code cutting involves using a specialized machine to cut a key based on the manufacturer's depth and spacing data. This method is highly accurate and is the preferred way to duplicate high-security keys, which often have tight tolerances and unique bitting patterns.

Question 21Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does the term 'bitting' refer to?

  1. The cuts on the blade of a key. Correct answer.
  2. The process of picking a lock.
  3. The number of pins in a cylinder.
  4. The material the key is made of.

Explanation

The bitting of a key is the series of cuts on its blade that correspond to the pin heights in the lock cylinder. The bitting is what makes a key unique to a particular lock.

Question 22Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

In a hotel lock system, what kind of card is used to create a record of who has entered a room?

  1. An audit trail card. Correct answer.
  2. A master card.
  3. A guest card.
  4. A lockout card.

Explanation

Modern hotel locks maintain a log of the keys used to open them. An audit trail card, typically used by management or security, can be used to retrieve this log from the lock to determine who has accessed the room and when.

Question 23Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary purpose of a 'panic bar' or 'exit device'?

  1. To allow for rapid, uninhibited egress in an emergency. Correct answer.
  2. To make a door more difficult to force open from the outside.
  3. To automatically lock a door when it closes.
  4. To hold a door open for ventilation.

Explanation

A panic bar is a life-safety device that is designed to allow a door to be opened with a single motion, even in a panic situation. Pushing on the bar retracts the latch, providing immediate egress.

Question 24Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

Which of these is a common type of automotive transponder key system?

  1. VATs (Vehicle Anti-Theft System)
  2. PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) Correct answer.
  3. PASS (Personal Automotive Security System)
  4. VATS (Vehicle Access Transponder System)

Explanation

PATS, or Passive Anti-Theft System, is a common type of transponder technology used in vehicles. A small RFID chip in the key head communicates with the vehicle's computer, and if the correct code is not received, the vehicle will not start.

Question 25Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When servicing a safe deposit lock, what is the role of the 'guard key'?

  1. It is held by the bank and is required, along with the customer's key, to open the box. Correct answer.
  2. It is a special key that can open any box in the bank.
  3. It is used to reset the lock after a customer has lost their key.
  4. It is a key that is guarded by a security officer.

Explanation

A safe deposit lock requires two different keys to be used in sequence to open it. The guard key is held by the bank, and the renter's key is held by the customer. Both must be used to gain access, ensuring a dual-control security system.

Question 26Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'warded' lock?

  1. A lock that uses a series of obstructions (wards) to prevent the wrong key from turning. Correct answer.
  2. A lock that is designed for use in a hospital ward.
  3. A lock that has been awarded a high-security rating.
  4. A lock that uses a magnetic key.

Explanation

A warded lock is a very old and simple design that uses a set of stationary wards, or obstructions, inside the lock. The correct key has notches cut in it that allow it to bypass the wards and turn the lock. Warded locks offer minimal security.

Question 27Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does 'UL 437' signify for a lock?

  1. It is a high-security rating from Underwriters Laboratories, indicating resistance to picking, drilling, and other forms of attack. Correct answer.
  2. It is a fire rating for a lock used on a fire door.
  3. It is a standard for the size and shape of the lock cylinder.
  4. It is a rating for the lock's resistance to corrosion.

Explanation

UL 437 is a security standard from Underwriters Laboratories that tests high-security cylinders for their resistance to surreptitious and forced entry techniques. A lock with a UL 437 rating has passed a battery of rigorous tests.

Question 28Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is 'social engineering' in the context of locksmithing?

  1. Tricking a person into providing access or information that bypasses security measures. Correct answer.
  2. Designing a master key system for a large social gathering.
  3. The study of how people interact with locks.
  4. A type of lock that is popular on social media.

Explanation

Social engineering is a manipulation technique used to deceive individuals into divulging confidential information or granting unauthorized access. A locksmith must be aware of these tactics to avoid being tricked into opening a door for someone who should not have access.

Question 29Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the function of a 'cam' on the back of a lock cylinder?

  1. It is the part that interacts with the lock mechanism to retract the latch or bolt. Correct answer.
  2. It is a decorative cover for the back of the lock.
  3. It is a type of security feature that prevents the cylinder from being pulled.
  4. It is a small camera that records who uses the lock.

Explanation

The cam is a component attached to the back of the cylinder plug that rotates with the key. Its shape and movement are designed to operate the internal mechanism of the lock, such as retracting the latch or throwing the deadbolt.

Question 30Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'LISHI' tool used for?

  1. Picking and decoding automotive locks. Correct answer.
  2. Cutting new keys by hand.
  3. Opening safes with a stethoscope.
  4. Programming transponder keys.

Explanation

LISHI tools are a brand of specialized picks that are designed to pick and decode automotive locks. They allow a locksmith to determine the bitting of the lock and create a new key without having to remove the lock from the vehicle.

Question 31Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary danger of a 'bump key' attack?

  1. It can open many common pin-tumbler locks quickly and with little evidence of entry. Correct answer.
  2. It can damage the lock beyond repair.
  3. It can be used to start a car without the key.
  4. It can create a master key for an entire building.

Explanation

A bump key is a key that has been cut to the deepest possible depths for a particular lock. When struck with a hammer or other object, it can cause the pins to 'jump' to the shear line, allowing the lock to be opened. It is a fast and often non-destructive method of entry.

Question 32Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'scissor-type' key extractor used for?

  1. Removing broken key fragments from a keyway. Correct answer.
  2. Cutting the head off of a key.
  3. Holding a key blank while it is being duplicated.
  4. A type of warded pick set.

Explanation

A scissor-type key extractor has a pair of fine, hooked blades that can be inserted into the keyway on either side of a broken key piece. Squeezing the handles together causes the hooks to grip the key, allowing it to be pulled out.

Question 33Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When creating a master key system, what is the 'MACS' (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification)?

  1. The maximum difference in depth between adjacent cuts on a key. Correct answer.
  2. The maximum number of master keys that can be created for a system.
  3. The maximum angle of the cuts on the key.
  4. The maximum number of pins that can be used in the system.

Explanation

MACS is a limitation set by the lock manufacturer that dictates the maximum allowable difference in height between adjacent pins in a cylinder. Exceeding the MACS can cause the key to bind or the pins to wear out prematurely.

Question 34Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'thumbturn' cylinder?

  1. A cylinder that is operated by a knob on one side and a key on the other. Correct answer.
  2. A cylinder that can only be opened with a thumbprint.
  3. A cylinder that has a very small key bow.
  4. A cylinder that is used on a bicycle lock.

Explanation

A thumbturn cylinder, often found on residential deadbolts, has a keyway on the outside and a small knob, or thumbturn, on the inside. This allows the door to be locked and unlocked from the inside without a key.

Question 35Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does 'forced entry' refer to in a locksmithing context?

  1. Opening a lock or door by destructive means, such as prying, drilling, or breaking. Correct answer.
  2. Forcing a key into a lock that it does not belong to.
  3. Forcing a customer to pay for a service they did not agree to.
  4. The act of picking a lock.

Explanation

Forced entry is the use of force to bypass a lock or door. This can include drilling, prying, ramming, or other destructive methods. A locksmith may need to use forced entry as a last resort when a lock cannot be opened by other means.

Question 36Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'change key' in a master key system?

  1. A key that operates only one lock or a small group of locks. Correct answer.
  2. A key that is used to change the combination of the lock.
  3. A key that is made of a different material than the master key.
  4. A key that changes shape to fit different locks.

Explanation

In a master key system, a change key, also known as a sub-master or tenant key, is the lowest-level key. It is designed to operate a single lock or a small, specific group of locks, while the master key can operate all locks in the system.

Question 37Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary function of a 'door closer'?

  1. To automatically close a door after it has been opened. Correct answer.
  2. To hold a door open at a specific angle.
  3. To make a door easier to open.
  4. To lock a door automatically.

Explanation

A door closer is a hydraulic device that is mounted on a door and frame. It uses a spring and hydraulic fluid to control the closing of the door, ensuring it closes smoothly and latches securely. This is especially important for fire and security doors.

Question 38Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'pick gun'?

  1. A tool that uses a vibrating needle to bounce the pins in a lock to the shear line. Correct answer.
  2. A type of firearm that has been modified to open locks.
  3. A tool for picking up and inserting pins into a cylinder.
  4. A slang term for a master key.

Explanation

A pick gun, either manual or electric, has a small needle that is inserted into the keyway. When the trigger is pulled, the needle rapidly strikes the bottom pins, causing the driver pins to jump above the shear line and allowing the plug to be turned.

Question 39Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

In the context of safes, what does 'TL-30' mean?

  1. The safe has been tested by UL and can resist tool attacks for 30 minutes. Correct answer.
  2. The safe can withstand a temperature of 3000 degrees for 30 minutes.
  3. The safe has a 30-inch thick door.
  4. The safe can only be opened by a locksmith with 30 years of experience.

Explanation

A TL-30 rating from Underwriters Laboratories indicates that the safe has been tested to withstand a concerted attack by skilled technicians using common tools, such as drills, grinders, and pry bars, for a period of 30 minutes.

Question 40Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

The term 'paracentric' refers to a keyway that:

  1. Is designed to be pick-resistant by having wards on both sides that cross the center line. Correct answer.
  2. Is shaped like a parabola.
  3. Can accept two different keys.
  4. Is used only in high-security locks.

Explanation

A paracentric keyway is intentionally complex, with wards that project past the center line, making it difficult to insert and manipulate lock picking tools.

Question 41Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

An exit device (or panic bar) is required on doors that are:

  1. Used for egress in an area with a specific occupant load, as defined by building codes. Correct answer.
  2. Located in a commercial building.
  3. Fire-rated.
  4. Out-swinging.

Explanation

Building and life safety codes, such as NFPA 101, mandate exit devices on doors in places of assembly or high-occupancy areas to allow for fast, uninhibited egress in an emergency, without prior knowledge of how the device operates.

Question 42Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the primary risk of poorly planned master keying?

  1. The creation of 'phantom keys' that unintentionally operate multiple locks. Correct answer.
  2. The keys become too difficult to cut.
  3. The locks become too expensive to produce.
  4. The system cannot be expanded in the future.

Explanation

Poorly planned master keying can lead to unintentional key interchange, where a key for one door can accidentally open another door it shouldn't. This is a major security vulnerability.

Question 43Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the typical voltage used for an electric strike in North America?

  1. 12V or 24V DC Correct answer.
  2. 120V AC
  3. 5V DC
  4. 220V AC

Explanation

Most electric strikes and other access control hardware operate on low-voltage DC power, typically 12V or 24V. This is safer to work with and is standard for access control power supplies.

Question 44Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What does a 'positive latching' feature on a fire door's hardware ensure?

  1. The door will remain latched and closed during a fire. Correct answer.
  2. The door can be opened with a single motion.
  3. The door automatically locks when closed.
  4. The door has a deadbolt.

Explanation

Fire doors must have an active latchbolt that automatically latches the door when it closes. This ensures the door stays shut against the pressure differences created by a fire, preventing smoke and flames from spreading.

Question 45Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the purpose of 'spool' or 'mushroom' pins in a lock cylinder?

  1. To make the lock more resistant to picking. Correct answer.
  2. To allow the lock to be master keyed.
  3. To make the lock operate more smoothly.
  4. To reduce the number of possible key combinations.

Explanation

Spool, mushroom, and serrated pins are types of security pins. Their unusual shape is designed to catch at the shear line when a lock is being picked, providing false feedback to the locksmith and making the lock harder to defeat.

Question 46Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

If a locksmith is having trouble getting clear marks while impressioning, what is a likely cause?

  1. Not applying enough torque to the key blank.
  2. The key blank is too hard.
  3. The lock is a high-security model.
  4. All of the above. Correct answer.

Explanation

All of these factors can make impressioning difficult. Insufficient torque won't make the pins bind, a hard key blank won't mark easily, and high-security locks often have features that resist impressioning.

Question 47Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the purpose of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America)?

  1. To provide education, training, and ethical standards for the locksmithing profession. Correct answer.
  2. To regulate the price of locksmith services.
  3. To manufacture and sell locksmithing tools.
  4. To issue licenses to locksmiths in all 50 states.

Explanation

ALOA is the primary trade association for locksmiths in North America. Its mission is to advance the locksmithing profession through education, certification, and the promotion of a code of ethics.

Question 48Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

When changing the combination on a mechanical safe lock, what tool is used?

  1. A change key. Correct answer.
  2. The old key that opens the safe.
  3. A Phillips head screwdriver.
  4. A hammer and punch.

Explanation

A specific change key is inserted into the back of the lock body (when the door is open) to engage the changing mechanism. This allows the wheels to be re-aligned to a new combination.

Question 49Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is a 'sidewinder' or 'laser cut' key?

  1. A key that has a rectangular blade with a snake-like cut milled into the side. Correct answer.
  2. A key that is cut by a laser.
  3. A key that can open any car.
  4. A key that is made of a special steel alloy.

Explanation

A sidewinder key has a rectangular blade, and the cuts are milled into the flat sides of the blade, not the top edge. This allows for more complex and secure key combinations and is common in modern vehicles.

Question 50Locksmith foundations: authorized service, compatible hardware and verified function

What is the 'handing' of a lockset?

  1. The direction the door swings and the side the hinges are on. Correct answer.
  2. The brand of the lock.
  3. The type of key it uses.
  4. The finish of the lock.

Explanation

Handing refers to the orientation of the lock based on the door's swing. For example, a 'right-hand reverse' door swings out and has hinges on the right. Many, but not all, modern locksets are field-reversible, but handing is still a critical concept.