Psychological explanation: Eysenck's theory Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What does Eysenck’s theory say about offending?

A

It says that all offenders exhibit the same personality traits (PEN), which has a biological basis due to the nervous system that we inherit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the criminal personality? Eysenck

A

Personality type which tend to be common in criminals = mixture (PEN)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is socialisation in regards to Eysenck’s theory?

A

Process whereby children are taught to delay gratification. It says that offenders with high E & N are harder to condition and therefore it makes it harder for them to resist antisocial impulses because of their NS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the characteristics of Psychotics?

A

High levels of testosterone
- Agressive
- Anti-social

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the characteristics of Neurotics?

A
    • levels of reactivity in SNS
  • Anxious
  • Unstable = unpredictable
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the characteristics of Extraverts?

A
  • Underactive NS
  • Thrill seeking
  • Anti-social
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a strength of Eysenck’s theory?

A

Research support (Eysenck & Eysenck) - 2000 prisoners to cg EPQ, = + PEN scores = cause & effect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the limitations of Eysenck’s theory?

A
  • Deterministic bc offending is due to NS = limited free will = problematic for the law
  • Culture bias (Holancock) - African A & Hispanic, found they scored less on E to non criminals = challenged theory
  • Use of Psychological tests - ‘Do you remain calm under pressure’ determines score = + complex e.g. people presence

C: social desirability bias

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly