Psychological explanations: Eysenck’s theory Flashcards
1
Q
What did Eysenck propose?
A
That behaviour could be represented along two dimensions: introversion-extroversion and neuroticism-stability.
2
Q
What is the third dimension which Eysenck later added?
A
Psychotocism-sociability
3
Q
What did Eysenck say our personality traits are?
A
Biological in origin and come about through the type of nervous system we inherit.
4
Q
Extroverts
A
- underactive nervous system - they constantly seek excitement, stimulation and are likely to engage in risk taking behaviours.
- tend not to condition easily so don’t learn from their mistakes.
5
Q
Neurotic
A
- high level of reactivity in the sympathetic nervous system
- respond to quickly to situations of threat and so tend to be nervous, jumpy and overanxious
- general instability means behaviour is often difficult to predict
6
Q
Psychotic
A
higher levels of testosterone and unemotional and prone to aggression
7
Q
What is the criminal personality type?
A
neurotic-extravert-psychotic
8
Q
What are neurotics?
A
Unstable and prone to overreact to situations of threat.
9
Q
What do extraverts seek?
A
More arousal and thus engage in dangerous activities.
10
Q
what are psychotics?
A
aggressive and lack empathy.
