psychological explanations - Eysencks theory

• Eysenck (1947) – proposed personality could be represented along 3 dimensions

  • Introversion – extraversion (E)
  • Neuroticism – stability (N)
  • Psychoticism – socialisation (P)

  The dimensions combine to form a variety of personality types
• • Introversion – extraversion (E)
  • Neuroticism – stability (N)
  • Psychoticism – socialisation (P)

  We can measure personality using Eysenck's personality inventory (EPI), a test that locates respondents along the E and N dimensions to determine personality (P added later)
• The criminal personality type:

  Criminal personality = neurotic extravert + high psychoticism

  • Psychotics are aggressive and lack empathy
  • Extraverts seek more arousal and so engage in high risk
  • Neurotics are unstable and prone to overreact to threat

  PEN
• Suggested personality types are innate and based in the nervous system we inherit

  • Psychotics – high testosterone levels meaning they are prone to aggression
  • Extraverts – underactive nervous system meaning they seek excitement
  • Neurotics – highly reactive sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) meaning they overreact to danger
• Eysenck saw criminal behaviour as developmentally immature in that it is selfish and looks for immediate gratification.

  During socialisation, children are taught to be able to delay gratification and are more socially oriented.

  Eysenck said those with high E and N scores have nervous systems that make this learning difficult
• strength -

  Eysenck (77) compared EPI scores of 2070 male prisoners with a control group and found prisoners scored higher on P, E and N scores.

  This supports the Eysenck's theory that criminal behaviour may be a result of differing personality types.
• weakness -

  However, Farrington’s (82) review of studies showed offenders scored highly on P but not E or N. Also, there is little evidence of consistent differences in EEG’s between extraverts and introverts.

  This contradicts Eysenck's theory and the physiological basis on personality differences.
• weakness -

  Eysenck's theory is out of step with modern personality theories – Dingmans 5 factor model suggests 3 additional dimensions of openness, agreeable and conscientiousness.

  This suggests that many different types of criminals may exists as E and N are not the only personality factors that contribute.
• weakness -

  Eysenck's theory suggests it is possible to measure personality, however critics argue we can’t reduce personality down to a score from the EPI. Some even suggests there is no such thing as personality as a stable entity.

  This undermines the concept of a stable and measurable criminal personality.