10.4: Psychological explanations for offending behaviour

Question 1

Which two of the following statements about Eysenck’s theory of the criminal personality are TRUE?
A: The criminal personality avoids sensation-seeking situations
B: The criminal personality cannot be conditioned easily
C: The criminal personality has a high level of introversion
D: The criminal personality has an over-aroused nervous system
E: The criminal personality scores highly on neuroticism
(2 marks)

Answer 1

B and E

Question 2

Briefly outline differential association theory as an explanation for offending (2 marks)

Answer 2

Differential association theory as an explanation for offending is the notion that offending depends on the norms/values of the offender’s social group.
Offending is more likely to occur where the social group values deviant behaviour

Question 3

Briefly explain one limitation of differential association theory as an explanation for offending (2 marks)

Answer 3

Possible limitation
 Only evidence in correlational
 Findings could also be explained through heritability
 Offenders may seek out people with criminal values