Individual 1) Eysenck's Criminal Personality

Question 1

PEN Theory

Answer 1

Eysenck - criminality is governed by the interaction of biological and environmental causes; original research - only E +N.
Extraversion - increase of cortical arousal in the brain - people who are impulsive, social and criminal personality - engage in dangerous acts.
Neuroticism - unstable, over-react especially when under threat - overly responsive nervous system.

Question 2

Later Research

Answer 2

Added psychoticism - not a trait in all criminals.

Lack empathy, non-responsive and little concern of effect of their criminal behaviour.

Question 3

Biological Link

Answer 3

Suggested there is a link between psychopaths and high levels of testosterone and low number of MAO enzyme; when levels of MAO decrease people tend to overreact.

Question 4

Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI)

Answer 4

Measures PEN traits; high EPI scores = "danger level". 
research focused only on male prisoners.
Good predictor of criminality.
P - score high = on criminal spectrum. 
E - predict criminality in young. 
N - predict criminality in elderly.

Question 5

Dunlop et al.

Answer 5

Agreed high score of P + E were good predictors of criminality. (FOR EPI)

Question 6

Coleta Yan Dam et al.

Answer 6

Research on young males in custody.

High PEN scores on only a small percentage. (AGAINST EPI).

Question 7

Zuckerman

Answer 7

Agrees there is a genetic link with criminality but the correlation is not as high as Eysenck’s data suggests.