Eysenck's theory of criminal personality Flashcards
What type of theory is Eysenck’s theory of criminal personality and why
Biosocial theory
He said personality traits are biological and are due to the type of nervous system we inherit, suggesting all personality types are biological including the criminal personality
What are the 2 dimensions Eysenck investigated
- Introversion - Extraversion (E)
- Neuroticism - Stability (N)
What third dimension was added later by Eysenck
Psychoticism - Sociability (P)
Give 4 characteristics of extroverts
- sociable
- crave excitement and change
- become bored easily
- carefree
- optimistic
- impulsive
- don’t learn from their mistakes
What type of nervous system are extroverts said to have and why does this impact their behaviour
Extroverts are said to have an under-active nervous system so constantly seek excitement, stimulation and engage in risk tasking behaviour
Give 4 characteristics of introverts
- reserved
- plan their actions
- control their emotions
- serious
- reliable
- pessimistic
What type of nervous system do introverts tend to have and how does this impact their behaviour
Introverts tend to have an overactive nervous system which means they respond quickly to stress, withdraw themselves from that stress and do not seek out excitement or take risks
Give 5 characteristics of neurotics
- anxious
- worrying
- moody
- overly emotional
- calm down once upset
what is reactivity like in a neurotics nervous system
Neurotics have high levels of reactivity in their sympathetic nervous system
Give 3 characteristics of stable people
- calm
- unreactive
- unworried
Give 4 characteristics of a psychopath
- lacking in empathy
- cold
- unemotional
- cruel
- loner
- aggressive
- troublesome
according to Eysenck what is the criminal personality
NEP
Neurotic
Extraverted
Psychotic
In Eysencks theory how is personality linked to offending behaviour
Through socialisation processes
how does Eysenck describe offenders and why
Developmentally immature
Eysenck believes offenders are impatient (can’t wait for things) so due to their selfish nature and need for immediate gratification, their behaviour is considered developmentally immature
What is Eysenck’s test used to measure criminal personality
Eysenck’s Personality Inventory
