Eysenck’s theory

• general personality theory introduction

  Hans Eysenck proposed a theory of personality based on biological factors. Individuals inherit a type of nervous system that affects their ability to learn and adapt to their environment.
• general personality theory - Eysenck’s second proposal

  He proposed that behaviour could be represented on 3 dimensions. These 3 dimensions combine to form a variety of personality traits.
• what are the 3 dimensions?

  Introversion/extraversion (E) . Neuroticism / stability (N) . Psychoticism (P)
• Measuring the criminal personality

  Eysenck developed Eysenck’s Personality Inventory (EPI), a is a psychological test which measure psychoticism. There are psychoticism, extraversion and neuroticism characteristics.
• psychoticism traits

  aggressive, egocentric and manipulative
• extraversion

  sociable, impulsive, irresponsible
• neuroticism

  anxious, low self-esteem, depressed
• biological basis

  Eysenck suggested that personality types are innate, and based on biological systems that we inherit
• the criminal personality

  people with high P,E,N with run a higher risk of offending. It is difficult for them to learn to control their immature impulses.
• the role of socialisation

  personality is linked to criminal behaviour via. the socialisation process. E saw criminal behaviour as immature, as they are concerned with immediate gratification. people with high P,E,N scores had a nervous system with make them difficult to condition, as they would not easily learn to respond to antisocial impulses with anxiety. therefore, they are more likely to act antisocially.
• Negative - cultural bias

  Bartol et al. looked at cultural differences by studying Hispanic and African-American offenders. They were divided into groups based off criminal history and nature of offence. All 6 groups were less extrovert than the non-criminal control group. This questions the generalisability of the criminal personality as cultural factors are not taken into account.