INDIVIDUALISTIC THEORIES OF CRIMINALITY : PSYCHOLOGICAL Flashcards
What are the INDIVIDUALISTIC theories of criminality (Psychological)
Eysenck - Personality theory
Briefly outline Eysenck’s personality theory
Eysenck argued that our personality is largely biologically determined (75%), i.e. personality is determined by nature. However, he argues that the environment can also have an impact on our personality but to a lesser extent than biology (25%).
Eysenck used a questionnaire to identify different personalities, and he argued that some personalities are more likely to commit crime than others.
Explain the four different personality types: High E and N
Extroverts vs Introverts:
Extroverts have an underactive nervous system and so they need stimulation which can make them impulsive. Introverts have an overactive nervous system meaning they are more cautious and less sociable.
Neuroticism vs Stability:
Neurotics have an overactive fight or flight response so they tend to experience negative emotions like anger, anxiety and depression and are prone to over reaction. Stable people are very calm, even tempered and carefree.
EXTROVERTS are thrill seeking which leads to impulsivity and breaking rules and they don’t respond to conditioning (i.e. punishment).
NEUROTICS are also hard to condition into following society’s rules as their high anxiety prevents them from learning from mistakes
Combination of high E and N is likely to lead to criminality
What was the last personality type identified by Eysenck
In later research, Eysenck identified PSYCHOTICISM as a third dimension of personality. People with high P scores are likely to engage in criminal activity.
PSYCHOTICS are egocentric, aggressive, impulsive, impersonal and lack empathy. They tend to be solitary individuals who are quite cruel. They also tend to have higher levels of testosterone (Biological evidence links this to aggression) which suggests men are more likely to be psychotics.O
One strength of Eysenck’s personality theory: Supporting research
Eysenck compared over 2000 male prisoners scores on EPI with over 2000 male controls. They found that prisoners recorded higher scores in extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism than the controls.
This provides supporting evidence for the theory and therefore increases the scientific credibility.
One weakness of Eysenck’s personality theory: Self-report studies
Self-report studies like Eysenck’s personality questionnaires often do not produce valid results as people may lie, especially if they are engaging in criminal behaviour and they don’t want to be caught.
Therefore, the theory may not have scientific validity.
One weakness of Eysenck’s personality theory: Based on convicted offenders
Much of Eysenck’s research is based on convicted offenders, and the crimes they have committed (e.g. impulsive crimes) may not be typical of offenders as a whole.
Less impulsive offenders are likely to avoid getting caught, e.g. a hitman makes many thought out plans and are not impatient or anxious.
Therefore, this theory cannot explain ALL criminal acts.
