Eysenck’s Psychological Theory Flashcards
What is Eysenck’s psychological theory?
It suggests that personality is inherited and can be described using traits.
What are the traits Eysenck argued that can be used to describe personality?
Extraversion: arousal in the nervous system- under aroused and so seeks stimulation
Introversion: innately under-aroused and so reduce or avoid stimulation
Neuroticism: reacts quickly and is vigilant for threats in the environment
Stability: calm under pressure
Psychoticism: high levels of testosterone- men are more likely.
Eysenck stated our personality is made up of two dimensions which are:
Extraversion vs introversion
Neuroticism vs stability
What is meant by Extraversion vs introversion?
Concerns with the amount of stimulation a person needs. Extroverts are sociable but become bored easily and introverts need very little stimulation and are often in control of their situations.
What is meant by neuroticism vs stability?
Neurotics are often anxious and irrational whereas stable personalities worry less and are more emotionally well adjusted.
Eysenck added a third trait later on which was?
Psychoticism. These people are cold, uncaring and aggressive to others and will further indicate a tendency to criminality.
What were the certain personality types more likely to commit crimes?
Extroversion
Neuroticism
Psychoticism
This is because it is difficult for them to learn to control their immature impulses.
Why are criminals like this?
Neurotics- are harder to condition into following society’s rules and have a high anxiety level which prevents them from learning punishment.
Extraverts- have a nervous system that needs a high level of stimulation from their environment so are constantly seeking excitement.
What are some evaluations of the personality theory?
Strength- useful in describing how measurable tendencies could increase a person’s risk of offending
Limitation-less impulsive criminals may not be getting caught meaning the sample is unrepresentative
