Psychological explanations - Eysenck's theory of personality Flashcards
What is Eysenck’s theory of personality?
Personality is made up of certain traits, and the level of trait you have determines your personality
Who were Eysenck’s original participants?
Servicemen
What are Eysenck’s three personality traits?
Extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism
What is extraversion?
Sociable, impulsive, expressive and risk taking. The opposite of this is introvertism, with individuals acting in the opposite way, being more cautious and happy with their own company
What is neuroticism?
Someone who is highly neurotic exhibits behaviours such as nervousness, anxiety and obsessiveness. The opposite of this is “stable” and calm
What is psychoticism?
Someone who scores high on this scale would be insensitive, unconventional and lack a conscience and empathy
Who did Eysenck work with that meant he added psychoticism as the third trait?
Schizophrenics
Why is Eysenck’s theory biological?
Traits can be inherited
What is the biological base of extraversion?
Low activation level of cortical arousal in the brain
What is the biological base of introversion?
High activation level of cortical arousal in the brain
What is the biological basis of neuroticism?
A sensitive autonomic nervous system - makes individuals react quickly and extremely to stress
What is the biological basis of psychoticism?
Eysenck is unclear, but androgens such as testosterone are implicated
Why would an extrovert commit a crime?
They seek the “thrill” as they have to be stimulated more
Why would a neurotic individual commit a crime?
In a highly emotional situation they are more likely to react, and are more likely to be conditioned into criminal behaviour
Why would a psychopath commit a crime?
They have no conscience and are aggressive
