6.2.1 Eysenck's Theory of the Criminal Personality

Cards (74)

  • What does Eysenck's Theory of the Criminal Personality propose?
    Traits predispose criminal behavior
  • Extraversion is characterized by sociability, assertiveness, and excitement-seeking, which links to criminal behavior through risk-taking
  • Neuroticism involves emotional instability and moodiness, which can lead to impulsivity and poor emotional regulation.
  • What trait in Eysenck's theory reflects a lack of empathy and disregard for social norms?
    Psychoticism
  • Individuals high in all three traits are less likely to learn from punishment
  • Match the personality trait with its description:
    Extraversion ↔️ Outgoing, sociable, assertive
    Neuroticism ↔️ Anxious, emotionally unstable
    Psychoticism ↔️ Impulsive, unempathetic
  • Eysenck identified three dimensions of personality: Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism.
  • What are the characteristics of Extraversion according to Eysenck's theory?
    Outgoing, sociable, assertive
  • Neuroticism is associated with being moody, prone to worry, and emotionally unstable
  • Psychoticism includes a disregard for social rules and a lack of empathy, increasing the likelihood of criminal behavior.
  • How does Extraversion link to criminal behavior in Eysenck's theory?
    Seeks thrills, risk-taking
  • Neuroticism can lead to criminal behavior through poor emotional regulation
  • What is the link between Psychoticism and criminal behavior according to Eysenck?
    Lack of empathy, disregard for rules
  • Match the personality dimension with its link to criminal behavior:
    Extraversion ↔️ Seeks thrills, risk-taking
    Neuroticism ↔️ Poor emotional regulation
    Psychoticism ↔️ Lack of empathy, disregard for norms
  • According to Eysenck's theory, three personality traits are linked to criminality: Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism
  • What are the characteristics associated with Extraversion in Eysenck's theory?
    Outgoing, sociable, assertive
  • Neuroticism in Eysenck's theory is linked to poor emotional regulation and impulsivity.
  • The personality trait of Psychoticism is characterized by a lack of empathy and disregard for rules
  • Why are individuals high in all three traits more likely to engage in criminal behavior?
    Impulsivity, lack of empathy
  • Match the biological factor with its description:
    Genetics ↔️ Hereditary traits from parents
    Brain Structure ↔️ Differences in regions like the prefrontal cortex
    Neurochemistry ↔️ Levels of neurotransmitters
    Hormonal Influences ↔️ Effects of hormones like testosterone
  • What does Eysenck's Theory of the Criminal Personality propose?
    Traits predispose to criminality
  • Extraversion in Eysenck's theory is linked to a need for stimulation and thrill-seeking.
  • Individuals high in all three traits are more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to impulsivity, lack of empathy, and a tendency to seek excitement
  • What neurotransmitter is associated with high extraversion according to Eysenck's theory?
    Dopamine
  • Order the strengths and weaknesses of Eysenck's Theory:
    1️⃣ Provides a clear framework for understanding personality and criminality
    2️⃣ Supported by empirical research
    3️⃣ Oversimplifies criminal behavior
    4️⃣ Critics argue it lacks specificity
  • What is one strength of Eysenck's Theory?
    Clear framework for understanding
  • One weakness of Eysenck's Theory is that it oversimplifies the complex nature of criminal behavior
  • What is one strength of Eysenck's Theory?
    Provides a clear framework
  • Eysenck's Theory focuses primarily on three personality dimensions
  • Critics argue that Eysenck's Theory is too broad and lacks specificity in predicting criminal behavior.
  • Match the strength or weakness of Eysenck's Theory with its description:
    Theoretical Framework ↔️ Clear and concise dimensions
    Oversimplification ↔️ Focuses on three personality traits
    Empirical Support ↔️ Research links high Psychoticism to crime
  • What is one weakness of Eysenck's Theory regarding empirical support?
    Limited predictive validity
  • Eysenck's Theory may not account for situational factors
  • Overall, Eysenck's Theory is considered a significant contribution despite its limitations.
  • What is one major criticism of Eysenck's Theory?
    Focuses solely on traits
  • Bartol and Holanchock's study challenged the role of Psychoticism
  • Match the supporting evidence or criticism with its description:
    Eysenck's research ↔️ Links high PEN scores to crime
    Bartol & Holanchock's study ↔️ Challenges Psychoticism as a predictor
    Theoretical Validity ↔️ Provides a clear personality-crime link
  • What personality trait is associated with the Serial Killer in Eysenck's Theory?
    High Psychoticism
  • The impulsive thief is likely high in Neuroticism and Extraversion
  • Eysenck's Theory can explain all types of criminal behavior without considering situational factors.
    False