Eysencks theory

• What is central to Eysenck’s theory regarding personality?

  Personality can be measured
• What is the purpose of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)?

  To locate respondents along E, N, and P dimensions
• What are the three dimensions measured by the EPQ?

  Extraversion, Neuroticism, Psychoticism
• What two dimensions did Eysenck propose in 1947 to represent personality?

  Introversion/extraversion and Neuroticism/stability
• What third dimension did Eysenck later add to his personality theory?

  Psychoticism/sociability
• How do the dimensions of Eysenck's theory combine?

  They form a variety of personality characteristics
• What did Eysenck suggest about the biological basis of personality?

  Personality types are innate and based on the nervous system
• What characterizes extraverts according to Eysenck?

  Underactive nervous system seeking excitement
• How do neurotics respond to threats?

  They react quickly due to high reactivity
• What hormonal level is associated with psychotic individuals?

  Higher levels of testosterone
• How does the criminal personality type combine traits from neurotics, extraverts, and psychotics?

  Neurotics are unstable, extraverts seek arousal, psychotics are aggressive
• What does Eysenck see as a characteristic of offending behavior?

  It is developmentally immature and selfish
• How do offenders typically behave regarding gratification?

  They are impatient and seek immediate gratification
• What is the role of socialization in personality development according to Eysenck?

  Children learn to delay gratification and become socially oriented
• What happens to individuals with high P, E, and N scores in terms of learning?

  They find it difficult to learn and feel less anxious
• Who is Voldemort described as in terms of personality?

  A raging psychopath devoid of empathy
• How is Cruella De Vil characterized?

  Unpredictable, loud, and brash
• What traits describe Begbie from Trainspotting?

  Psychopathic, violent, and aggressive
• What is Hans Gruber's personality like?

  Cold, unpredictable, and willing to kill
• What evidence supports Eysenck’s theory?

  Higher EPQ scores in prisoners than controls
• What did Eysenck find when comparing prisoners to controls?

  Prisoners had higher average scores on E, N, and P
• What is a counterpoint to Eysenck’s theory regarding offending behavior?

  Not all offending is explained by personality
• What cultural aspect is criticized in Eysenck’s theory?

  Cultural factors are not taken into account
• What is a weakness identified by Moffitt regarding Eysenck’s theory?

  It does not consider cultural factors
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Eysenck's personality theory?

  Strengths:

  • Evidence supporting the theory from EPQ scores
  • Higher scores in prisoners align with predictions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Not all offending explained by personality
  • Cultural factors not considered