Psychological explanation: Eysenck's theory

Question 1

What does Eysenck’s theory say about offending?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is the criminal personality? Eysenck

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is socialisation in regards to Eysenck’s theory?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the characteristics of Psychotics?

Answer 4

High levels of testosterone
- Agressive
- Anti-social

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Neurotics?

Answer 5

• • levels of reactivity in SNS
• Anxious
• Unstable = unpredictable

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Extraverts?

Answer 6

• Underactive NS
• Thrill seeking
• Anti-social

Question 7

What is a strength of Eysenck’s theory?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are the limitations of Eysenck’s theory?

Answer 8

• 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