Eysneck's theory - AO1 Flashcards
What did Eysenck propose
Behaviour could be represented along two dimensions:
Introversion-extraversion and neurotiscm-stability
He later added a third dimension:
Psychotism-sociability
How did he think personality traits came about?
He thought they were biological in origin and came about through the type of nervous system we inhibit
What are extraverts?
Underactive nervous system so they constantly seek excitement, stimulation and are likely to engage in risk taking behaviours
They do not condition easily therefore they do not learn from their mistakes
What is neurotic?
High level of reactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, responds quickly to situations of threat
Tend to be nervous, jumpy and overanxious
General instability means their behaviour is often difficult to predict
What is psychotic?
Higher levels of testosterone and are unemotional and prone to aggression
What is the criminal personality?
Neurotic-extravert-psychotic
- Neurotics = unstable and overreact to situations of threat
- Extraverts = seek more arousal and thus engage in dangerous behaviour
- Psychotic = aggressive and lack empathy
What is the role of socialisation?
Personality is linked to offending behavour via socialisation processes
What are offenders concerned with?
Immediate gratification -> impatient and cannot wait for things
What is the process of socialisation?
Children are taught to be able to delay gratification and are more socially orientated
What does it mean if you have a high E and N score?
Nervous systems that were more difficult to condition -> less likely to learn anxiety responses to antisocial impulses
- More likely to act antisocially in situations where the opportunity presented itself
What is Eysneck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)?
A form of psychological test which locates respondants along the E, N, P dimensions to determine their personality type
- Enabled him to conduct research relating personality variables to other behaviour such as criminality
