Eysenck's theory Flashcards
What are the three basic ideas that underline Eysenck’s theory?
1: Offenders demonstrate distinctive personality traits
2: Could be a genetic basis for the traits
3: Development of conscious which could stop the behaviour may be faulty
Define Eysenck’s theory of the criminal personality
Somebody that scores highly on measures of extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism and cannot be easily conditioned
What are the 6 types of personalities?
Extraversion Introversion Neuroticism Stability Psychoticism Normality
Define extraversion
Extraverts are sociable, impulsive and risk taking
Define introversion
Introverts are cautious and happy in their own company
Define neuroticism
Being highly neurotic means that you are nervous, anxious and obsessive.
Define stability
Stable means to be care free, calm and stable
Define psychoticism
Insensitive, unconventional and lack conscience
What is the biological basis of extraversion?
Reticular activating system (varies cortical arousal in the brain) is low, it could lead to seeking simulation from the environment.
What is the biological basis of neuroticism?
Abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system could lead to a quicker and more greater response
What is the biological basis of psychoticism?
Androgens could be implicated.
Who conducted research into Eysenck’s theory?
Farrington and Furnham
Explain Furnham’s research into Eysenck’s theory
Tested 210 non-delinquents personality and social skills.
Self-report consisted of: Psychoticism - Neuroticims - anomie - Extraversion and then social skills.
Explain Farrington’s research into Eysenck’s theory
Official offenders are higher in neuroticism and low in extraversion where as those who report crimes are low in neuroticism and high in extraversion.
