Eysenck

• What does Eysenck's theory focus on?


  Personality. It was not intended to be an explanation of criminal behavior which attempts to explain why some people fail to comply with rules
• What does Eysenck argue?


  That personality is determined by an individuals biological constitution which is in turn determined by their genes. Certain personality traits are more likely to lend themselves to anti-social behavior, and if someone inherits these traits and is brought up in an environment that nurtures crime, then they're more likely to engage in criminal acts.
• What are the three dimensions an individuals temperament can be measured on?

  - Extraversion - introversion (E)

  - Neuroticism - stability (N)

  - Psychoticism - normality (P)
• What do extraverts have a high need for?


  They enjoy company, parties, impulsivity and optimism. They are also inclined to lose their temper which means they are more likely to commit crime
• Reticular Activating System (RAS)


  The brain area that plays a key role in arousal
• Who are more likely to experience a RAS that hinders incoming sensations?

  Extraverts as they always seek stimulation whereas introverts seek much less
• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)


  Releasing the hormone adrenalin into the bloodstream which makes you jump when something frightening happens
• Who are more likely to have a reactive ANS?

  People who score higher on neuroticism, these tend to be more anxious and nervous and more likely to commit crime
• Psychoticism


  Hostile and uncaring attitudes to others, cold cruelty and lack of empathy
• Strength - Eysenck links...

  ...nature with nurture
• Strength - Eysenck's ideas have formed the basis of tests such as...

  ...psychometric tests
• Strength - If the theory is correct, it could mean that...

  ...criminal behaviors can be detected in childhood which could prevent the development of criminal tendencies
• Limitation - Research in this area relies upon self-report measures about a person's view of their personality...


  ...this results in biased or deliberately false answer
• Limitation - There is a lack of reliability as people may not respond in the same way every time...


  ...they may provide an answer they think the researcher wants to hear
• Limitation - Support for Eyesnck's is inconsistent...

  ...offenders are not always likely to have high E, N, P scores