Eysenck’s Theory

Question 1

What were the two original scales Eysenck proposed?

Answer 1

Introversion - Extraversion

Neuroticism - Stability

Question 2

What dimension did Eysenck later add to his personality theory?

Answer 2

Psychoticism

Question 3

What did Eysenck suggest a criminal personality type was?

Answer 3

Neurotic - Extravert

Offenders likely to have a high psychoticism score as well.

Question 4

What is meant by neuroticism and extraversion?

Answer 4

Neurotic individuals tend to be over-anxious and nervous. Extroverts have an underactive nervous system, so they constantly seek excitement, stimulation and likely to engage in risky behaviours.

Question 5

How is Eysenck’s criminal personality measured?

Answer 5

Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI)

Question 6

What is the role of socialisation within Eysenck’s theory?

Answer 6

Process of socialisation is one in which children are taught to become more able to delay gratification and more socially oriented.

Eysenck saw criminal behaviour as developmentally immature and are concerned with immediate gratification.