Personality - crim

• How does extraversion relate to crime according to the RAS theory?

  Extraverts require more stimulation, leading to thrill-seeking crimes
• What type of crimes might extraverts commit?

  Thrill-seeking crimes like vandalism
• How does introversion affect crime according to the RAS theory?

  Introverts become overstimulated, leading to aggressive crimes
• What type of crimes might introverts commit when agitated?

  Crimes such as assault
• What is the relationship between neuroticism and crime?

  Neurotics may commit impulsive crimes when scared
• What type of crime might neurotics commit?

  Manslaughter when scared
• How does psychoticism relate to crime?

  Psychoticism is linked to lack of empathy and egocentrism
• What type of crime might psychopaths commit?

  Murder due to lack of empathy
• What are the implications of personality on crime?

  • Takes into account individual differences
  • Socially sensitive
  • Linked to biological factors
• What did Eysenck et al find regarding criminals and personality scales?

  Criminals scored higher on E and P scales
• Extroversion

  The RAS is less reactive meaning it doesn’t let in much sensation so extroverts require more stimulation from their environment which may lead to thrill seeking crimes such as vandalism
• Introversion

  The RAS is overreactive meaning it lets in too much sensation so introverts can become easily overstimulated which may lead to crimes such as assault when you agitate them.
• Neuroticism

  The ANS is more reactive which releases jumpy hormones such as adrenaline so neurotics could commit crimes such as manslaughter as they are impulsive
• Psychoticism

  Linked to higher levels of testosterone which causes individuals to lack empathy and be egocentric. Psychopaths could commit crimes such as murder due to having no empathy.
• Strength of Personality as a theory

  It takes into account individual differences as it talks about all the different sorts of personalities
• Weakness of personality as a theory

  Socially sensitive as may lead to unnecessary restrictions put on certain individuals due to their personality type.