Individual Differences Explanation - Eysenck's Criminal Personality Flashcards

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1
Q

Explain Eysenck’s theory of personality…

A

Hans Eyesenck (1967, 1978) developed a general theory of personality based on the idea that character traits cluster along three dimensions:

Extraversion - outgoing, having positive thoughts, but may get bored easily

Neuroticism - experience negative emotional states rather than positive ones

Psychoticism - energetic, aggressive, impulsive, impersonal, lacking in empathy and generally not concerned about the welfare of other people

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2
Q

Explain biological basis…

A

Eysenck (1982) stated that each trait has a biological basis which is mainly innate; claimed that 67% of the variance is due to genetics

Extraversion - determined by overall level of arousal, where they seek external stimulation to increase cortical arousal (Burglary)

Neuroticism - determined by levels of stability in the sympathetic nervous system, where a neurotic person is slightly unstable and gets upset easily (Manslaughter)

Psychoticism - related to higher levels of testosterone with men being more likely to be found at this end of the spectrum (Murder)

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3
Q

Explain the link to criminal behaviour…

A

Link can be explained through arousal with Eyesenck explaining criminality as an outcome between innate personality and socialisation, where interaction with the environment is key in developing criminality

Seen in operant conditioning; people with high extraversion and neuroticism are less easily conditioned, and don’t learn to avoid antisocial behaviour

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