Psychological explanation: Eysenck's theory Flashcards
What does Eysenck’s theory say about offending?
It says that all offenders exhibit the same personality traits (PEN), which has a biological basis due to the nervous system that we inherit
What is the criminal personality? Eysenck
Personality type which tend to be common in criminals = mixture (PEN)
What is socialisation in regards to Eysenck’s theory?
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
What are the characteristics of Psychotics?
High levels of testosterone
- Agressive
- Anti-social
What are the characteristics of Neurotics?
- levels of reactivity in SNS
- Anxious
- Unstable = unpredictable
What are the characteristics of Extraverts?
- Underactive NS
- Thrill seeking
- Anti-social
What is a strength of Eysenck’s theory?
Research support (Eysenck & Eysenck) - 2000 prisoners to cg EPQ, = + PEN scores = cause & effect
What are the limitations of Eysenck’s theory?
- 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