Eysenck's Theory of Criminal Behaviour Flashcards
What did Eysenck propose?
A biological and personality-based explanation of criminal behaviour, suggesting that certain personality traits increase the likelihood of criminality.
What are the three main dimensions of Eysenck’s model of personality?
- Extraversion
- Neuroticism
- Psychoticism
What is extraversion in terms of behaviour?
People high in extraversion are outgoing, sociable, and thrill-seeking, while those low in extraversion (introverts) are reserved and more likely to avoid risk.
What is neuroticism in terms of behaviour?
People high in neuroticism are anxious, emotionally unstable, and more prone to experiencing stress. Those low in neuroticism are emotionally stable and less reactive.
What is psychoticism in terms of behaviour?
Added later to his model, this dimension involves traits such as aggression, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. Higher levels of psychoticism are associated with antisocial and potentially criminal behaviour.
What did Eysenck say about people who scored high on all three dimensions?
They are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour due to their tendency to seek stimulation, struggle with impulsive control, and react strongly to stress.
Biologically define extraverts
Extraverts have a lower cortical arousal, which drives them to seek stimulation (e.g. through criminal acts).
Biologically define neurotics
Neurotics have a more reactive autonomic nervous system, making them more susceptible to the effects of stress.
Biologically define psychoticism
Psychoticism is believed to be linked to high levels of testosterone and low levels of serotonin, which contributes to aggressive and impulsive behaviours.
Where does Eysenck fit on the nature vs nurture debate?
Eysenck’s theory leans heavily toward the nature side of the debates debate, as he argued that personality traits are biologically determined. However, some critics point to the role of nurture - environmental factors such as socialisation, peer influence, and socioeconomic status - in shaping behaviour. Moffitt (1993) and others suggest that criminal behaviour cannot be fully explained by personality traits alone, as upbringing and life experiences play crucial roles.
Where does Eysenck fit on the determinism vs free will debate?
Eysenck’s theory is largely deterministic, suggesting that personality traits predispose individuals toward criminal behaviour. This view implies that individuals with certain personality profiles have limited control over their actions, which raises ethical questions about responsibility and accountability. Critics argue that people should not be viewed as simply “programmed” by their biology; instead they may have the capacity to exercise free will and make moral choices.
Where does Eysenck fit into the reductionism vs holism debate?
Eysenck’s model is reductionist as it reduces criminal behaviour to a combination of biological and personality factors, potentially ignoring other factors like social learning, family background, and economic circumstances. Bandura’s social learning theory and Sutherland’s differential association theory argue that criminal behaviour is learned through interaction with others, a factor that Eysenck’s biological model overlooks.
