F6. Psychological Explanations: Eysenck’s Theory

Question 1

Eysenck’s Theory

Answer 1

Specific Criminal Personality: Neurotic-Extrovert.
Initially measured across two scales: Stable-Neurotic. Introvert-Extrovert.
Psychoticism added later.
Criminal behaviour due to NS activity. Extroverts have under-active NS and therefore always look for new stimulation - explains nervous and impulse nature.
Personality type and NS activity affect extent to which individual is affected by socialisation (in which children are taught to communicate, and delayed gratification is taught. Those with criminal (NE) personality can’t adequately communicate and therefore act accordingly.
EPI (Eysenck’s Personality Inventory) used to measure personality across 3 dimensions

Question 2

• Eval: EPI

Answer 2

Reductionist. Not an accurate account of personality, as it is not as simple as 3 dimensions, and a final score. Traits may also change depending on who we interact with, and what circumstances.

Question 3

• Eval: Cultural Bias

Answer 3

Largely Western Culture Sample. Hispanic convicts were found to be less extrovert compared to a control group of non-convicts (control) which suggests Eysenck’s theory is not universal and therefore not generalisable to all cultures.

Question 4

• Eval: Oversimplification

Answer 4

It is unlikely that there’s one single criminal personality type. Digman’s Five-Factor Model suggests additional dimensions. Includes: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and intellect (openness to experience).