Eysenck's theory

Question 1

Personality theory

Answer 1

• proposed behaviour could be represented along two dimensions: introversion-extraversion and neuroticism-stability
• dimensions combine to form a variety of personality characteristics or traits
• Eysenck added a third dimension psychoticism-sociability

Question 2

Biological basis

Answer 2

• personality traits are biological in origin and come about through the type of nervous system we develop

Question 3

Extraverts

Answer 3

• underactive nervous system
• constantly seek excitement
• likely to engage in risk taking behaviours
• not conditioned easily
• do not learn from mistakes

Question 4

Neurotic

Answer 4

• high level of sympathetic nervous system
• respond quickly to situations of threat
• nervous
• jumpy
• overanxious
• behaviour often difficult to predict

Question 5

psychotic

Answer 5

• high levels of testosterone

- unemotional

Question 6

criminal personality

Answer 6

• high on extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism

Question 7

role of socialisation

Answer 7

• criminal behaviour developmentally immature
• criminal type hard to condition
• stay antisocial

Question 8

Eysenck Personality questionnaire

Answer 8

• locates respondents along extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism dimensions to determine personality type

Question 9

evaluation

Answer 9

+ research support - prisoners high on E, N and P compared to controls

• too simplistic - adolescents different from adults, personality and environment interact
• cultural factors - african-american offenders have low E