Eysneck’s Theory

Question 1

Describe personality theory and the different dimensions

Answer 1

Behaviour represented in two dimensions (introversion and extroversion E) and (neurotism and stability N)

Later added psychotism and sociability P

Question 2

Explain how personality has a biological basis

Answer 2

Through the nervous system

Extraverts = under active nervous system/ seek excitement
Neurotism = high level of reactivity in sympathetic NS
Psychotic= higher testosterone and anger

Question 3

Describe the role of socialisation in offending behaviour (characteristics of offender behaviour according to Eysenck)

Answer 3

Offending behaviour developmentally immature, selfish and immediate gratification

High E+N scores had a NS hard to condition and less likely to learn anxiety responses to antisocial behaviour.

Question 4

How did Eysenck measure the criminal personality?

Answer 4

Developed the EPQ which allowed him to conduct research relating to personality to behaviour

Question 5

Describe the research support for Eysenck (AO3)

Answer 5

Eysenck + Eysenck
Compared 2070 prisoners on the EPQ (2422 controls)

On E,N,P across all ages prisoners recorded higher than average scores

Question 6

Describe the counter evidence for Eysenck + Eysenck (AO3)

Answer 6

Farrington et al
Meta analysis of relevant studies and reported offenders score high on P but not E and N

Inconsistent evidence on EEG measures between extraverts and introverts
Casts doubt on Eysenck

Question 7

Describe how Eysenck explanation is simplistic (AO3)

Answer 7

Moffit
Drew a distinction between offending behaviour that occurs in adolescence and continues into adulthood. Personality alone is a poor predictor for how long offending will go on for.