Psychological Theories

Question 1

What does Eysencks personality argue?

Answer 1

Argues criminal behaviour is based on a particular personality type.

Question 2

Features of extravertism

Answer 2

• outgoing
• sociable
• excitement-seeking
• impulsive
• carefree
• optimistic
• often aggressive
• short-tempered
• unreliable

Question 3

Features of introvertism

Answer 3

• reserved
• inward-looking
• thoughtful
• serious
• quiet
• self-controlled
• pessimistic
• reliable

Question 4

Features of neurotic

Answer 4

• anxious
• moody
• often depressed
• prone-to-over-reacting

Question 5

What is the questionnaire for?

Answer 5

The questionnaire was used to measure personality traits

Question 6

Which personality are most likely criminal?

Answer 6

Criminals are most likely high extravert and high neurotic

Question 7

Features of psychoticism

Answer 7

-cruel
-aggressive
-insensitive
Common in people with psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Also more likely to become criminal

Question 8

Pros of eysencks personality

Answer 8

+Useful to describe how measurable personality traits can increase risk of offending
+Many studies agree that being an extravert, neurotic and psychotic increases chances of criminal behaviour

Question 9

Cons of eysenck’s personality

Answer 9

• People in prison don’t represent all offenders, as less impulsive offenders may avoid getting caught
• Eysencks questionnaire was a self-report, meaning people can lie