Psychological Explanations: Eysenck’s Theory of Criminal Personality Flashcards

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1
Q

Outline Eysenck’s theory.

A

1- Behaviour can be represented along 2 dimensions: introversion - extraversion and neuroticism - stability.
- Psychoticism - sociability was later added.

2- Personality types are biological.
- Personality is based on the NS we inherit.

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2
Q

What Eysenck develop to measure personality?

A

EPQ - Eysenck Personality Questionnaire.

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3
Q

Outline Extraverts and their behaviour.

A

-Under-active NS.
-Constantly seeking thrill/excitement.
-Likely to engage in risk taking behaviour.
-Hard to condition which means they are less likely to learn from their mistakes.

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4
Q

Outline Neurotics and their behaviour.

A

-High reactivity in their sympathetic NS - quick reactions.
-Hard to condition.
-Over sensitive fight or fight response.
-Over anxious and unpredictable.

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5
Q

Outline Psychotics and their behaviour.

A

-High levels of testosterone.
-No anxiety, unemotional.
-Prone to aggression.

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6
Q

What is the role of socialisation when it comes to criminality?

A

-Children taught to delay gratification.
-Results in the being less selfish.
-Results in them being more socially orientated.
-Children can therefore distinguish between right and wrong making them less likely to commit crime.

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7
Q

What are 2 weaknesses of Eysenck’s theory?

A

-Relies on the measurement of personality.
EPI is a self report technique which reduces personality to a single score.
Individuals may manipulate their scores.

-Cultural bias.
Bartol and Holanchock: found that Hispanic convicts were intravert compared to non-criminals.
Criminals should have levels of extraversion according to Eysenck.
Theory is not universal.

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8
Q

What is one strength of Eysenck’s theory?

A

-Research support
Eysenck and Eysenck - found criminals score higher than average across the 3 dimensions compared to non-criminals.
CP:Eysenck himself carried it out which may have led to bias.

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