Forensics: Psychological Explainations - Eysenck’s Theory

Question 1

What did Eysenck believe?

Answer 1

Criminal behaviour is a result of personality (determined biologically) and the environment
- he used his Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) to measure these traits, using a series of yes or no questions.

Question 2

How is Extroverts and Introverts a feature of Eysencks theory?

Answer 2

Extroverts have a need for excitement, they enjoy parties, are optimistic and impulsive. Easily loose their temper and can be aggressive and unreliable. They are generally under-aroused and so seek out exciting stimuli. Also less likely to be effected by negative outcomes of their behaviour (e.g. punishment) and more likely to shrug at disapproval - may enjoy the thrill of crime and take more risks
- introverts take punishment to heart, more reserved, dislike change and noisy gatherings. They are reliable and have high moral standards. They are quiet and think before they act.

Question 3

How is Neurotic and stable a feature of Eysencks theory?

Answer 3

• neurotics have more reactive nervous systems (more adrenaline from the ANS). They are jumpy, nervous, sensitive to stress, moody and easily upset by others.
• stable individuals are calm, even tempered and don’t panic in stressful situations - so don’t ask in such an extreme manner

Question 4

How is psychoticism a feature of Eysencks theory?

Answer 4

Psychoticism is a measure of hostility, cruelty and lack of care about others. Psychotic individuals don’t feel empathy. Tendencies include, recklessness, disregard for common sense, inappropriate emotional expression, etc.

Question 5

What did Eysenck and Gudjonsson find to support his theory?

Answer 5

• prison inmates score higher on psychoticism and extrovert as well as on neuroticism. Used a control group to compare results (although the control did not match on social class, intelligence or cultural background, etc)
  —> other problems are that it is a questionnaire, so demand characteristics (also inmates may desire to appear ‘tougher’
  —> prison experience might have brought out a personality that wasn’t there before

Question 6

What is some research against Eysencks theory?

Answer 6

• Bartol - study with African Caribbean’s and Hispanic criminals matched with a control group for age, race and culture - found criminals were less extrovert than controls
• Blackburn - concludes Eysencks theory is not well supported despite the fact it correlates between criminal behaviour and personality traits (not causation)
• have been subsumed into a 5 factor model of personality (McCrae and Costa) - Openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism
  —> McGurk found other personality traits involved (withdrawn, disturbed, etc) suggesting theory is reductionist

Question 7

What’s some overall evaluation for Eysencks theory?

Answer 7

• he states personality is both genetics and environments (nature and nuture) - acknowledges both factors play a role.
• unclear relationship between all 3 traits and extroversion is not consistently found to relate to criminality —> extroversion may not cause criminality, but may act as an indicator for certain types of crime
• Howitt points out Eysenck lacks explanation as to why they commit the crimes they do - only traits related. This means may not be useful for rehabilitating such criminals