Eysenck:

• Personality theory


  Eysenck (1947) proposed that behaviour could be represented along two dimensions: introversion-extraversion (E) and neuroticism-stability (N). The two dimensions combine to form a variety of personality characteristics or traits. Eysenck later added a third dimension - psychoticism-sociability (P).
• Biological basis


  According to Eysenck, personality traits have a biological origin come about through the type of nervous system we inherit. Thus all personality types have an innate, biological basis
• Biological basis

  • Extraverts have an underactive nervous system constantly seeking arousal making them most likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours. They dont condition easily therefore don't learn from their mistakes
• Biological basis

  • Neurotic's have high levels of reactivity in the sympathetic nervous system respond quickly to situations of threat (fight or flight). Means they're nervous, jumpy means their behaviour is difficult to predict
  • Psychotic's are suggested to have higher levels of testosterone and are unemotional and prone to aggression
• The role of socialisation


  Personality is linked to offending behaviour via socialisation processes

  • saw offending behaviour as developmentally immature in that it's selfish and concerned with immediate gratification - offenders are impatient and cannot wait for things
  • process of socialisation is taught to children to become more able to delay gratification
  • People w high E and N scores had nervous systems that made them difficult to condition As a result they're less likely to learn anxiety responses to antisocial impulses consequently they're more likely to act antisocially in situations
• Measuring the criminal personality:

  He developed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), a form of psychological test which locates respondents along the E, N and P dimensions to determine their personality type. The measurement of personality was a very important part because it enabled him to conduct research relating personality variables to other behaviours, such as criminality.