Psychological Explanations Of Offending Behaviour: Eysenck’s Theory

Question 1

What is Eysenck’s theory of personality?

Answer 1

A general theory of personality - a person’s biology (i.e. their genes) predispose them towards certain personality traits

Question 2

What were the first 2 key personality traits that Eysenck proposed?

Answer 2

Extrovert vs Introvert
Neurotic vs Stable

Question 3

What are the traits of an extrovert and an introvert?

Answer 3

Extrovert: sociable, impulsive, talkative & risk-taking
Introvert: prefer to spend time alone, more cautious

Question 4

What are the traits of a neurotic person and a stable person?

Answer 4

Neurotic: prone to strong negative emotions (e.g. anxiety, nervousness & jealousy)
Stable: emotionally stable and calm

Question 5

What was the 3rd key personality trait that Eysenck added to his theory later?

Answer 5

Psychotic vs non-psychotic

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a psychotic and non-psychotic person?

Answer 6

Psychotic: lacks empathy, doesn’t feel guilt, aggressive & unconventional
Non-psychotic: have a conscience, feel empathy & guilt

Question 7

How can the personality traits that Eysenck proposed be measured?

Answer 7

By completing a questionnaire called the ‘Eysenck Personality Questionnaire’

Question 8

Why is a highly extroverted person more likely to commit crime?

Answer 8

Because they’re more likely to take risks and act impulsively

Question 9

Why is a highly neurotic person likely to commit crime?

Answer 9

They feel negative emotions more strongly, which increases the likelihood of them committing a criminal act in the heat of the moment

Question 10

Why is a highly psychotic person more likely to commit crime?

Answer 10

They are not put off by feelings of guilt or empathy for a potential victim

Question 11

Explain the biological basis of an extrovert being more likely to be a criminal

Answer 11

Extroverts have low levels of arousal in the brain and therefore seek excitement and stimulation from the environment. More likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour.

Question 12

Explain the biological basis of a neurotic person being more likely to be a criminal

Answer 12

Due to the ANS, some people react more swiftly & strongly to stress physiologically. Eysenck argued that those who are high in neuroticism would react quickly and to a greater degree - more unpredictable.

Question 13

How is personality linked to criminal behaviour in Eysenck’s theory?

Answer 13

Via socialisation processes

Question 14

How did Eysenck view criminal behaviour?

Answer 14

As developmentally immature, in that it is selfish and concerned with immediate gratification.

Question 15

What is the process of socialisation?

Answer 15

One in which children are taught to become more able to delay gratification and more socially orientated

Question 16

What did Eysenck believe about people with high E and N scores and socialisation?

Answer 16

That these people had nervous systems that made being able to delay gratification and more socially orientated difficult. They would be more likely to act anti-socially.

Question 17

What is a limitation of Eysenck’s theory? (Cultural bias)

Answer 17

Bartol and Holanchock (1979) - found that a group of Hispanic convicts were less extroverted compared to non-criminals - suggests theory is not universal and lacks generalisability to all cultures

Question 18

What is a strength of Eysenck’s theory? (Supporting evidence)

Answer 18

Eysenck (1970) - compared 2070 male prisoner scores with 2422 male controls. Groups subdivided into ages ranging from 16-69. - found that prisoners scored higher in all categories

Question 19

What is a limitation of Eysenck’s theory? (Reductionist approach)

Answer 19

Personality traits are unlikely to all be accounted for using only 3 dimensions - traits are also likely to change depending on who we interact with and different circumstances - not an accurate account of personality