Personality theory

Question 1

Personality theory– cause of criminal behaviour

Answer 1

• Criminal behaviour is caused by an extravert, neurotic and psychotic personality.

Question 2

Personality theory – description of theory

Answer 2

• Personality is made up of three parts
o Extraversion
o Neuroticism
o Psychoticism
• Each type has a set of traits that makes an individual more or less likely to commit crime
• Extraversion measures the arousal of your central nervous system. The less aroused, the more stimulation the individual seeks and so the higher E score. Whereas introverts already have an active nervous system and so don’t seek stimulation. Extravetrs are active and impulsive.
• Neuroticism measures the reactivity of your central nervous system. The stronger your responses the more extreme your emotional changes (high N score) Whereas a stable personality reacts less to emotional situations. Neurotics are anxious and over emotional.
• Psychoticism measures levels of testosterone. High levels equals a high P score. Psychotics are aggressive, uncaring and cold. Normal personalities have empathy and care for others.

Question 3

Personality theory– explanation for criminal behaviour

Answer 3

People who score highly on extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism are more likely to be associated with violent crime. This is because:
• Extraverts – seek more therefore engage in dangerous activities (e .g. drug taking)
• Neurotics are unstable – prone to over-react to situations of threat (e.g. domestic violence).
• Psychoticism – individuals are aggressive & lacking empathy (e.g. murder).