(Eysencks theory) Psycho explanations of criminal behaviour

• 3 main personality trait spectrums

  Extroversion vs introversion, neurotic vs stable, and psychotic vs non-psychotic.
• High extroversion


  a highly extroverted person is more likely to take risks and act impulsively, increasing the likelihood of criminal behaviour. Extroverts are also thrill-seekers, so the excitement of criminal behaviour is likely to be more appealing
• High neuroticism


  A highly neurotic person feels negative emotions more strongly, which increases the likelihood of them commiting a criminal act in the heat of the moment
• High Psychoticism


  A psychotic person lacks empathy, doesn't feel guilt, is aggressive and unconventional. A highly psychotic person is more likely to commit a crime because they are not put off by feelings of guilt or empathy for a potential victim. High psychoticism is also associated with increased aggression, increasing the likelihood of violent criminal behaviour
• AO3-supporting evidence


  - Furham (1984) tested 210 subjects using Eysencks personality theory, a social skills test, and a test of anomie (moral values). Of these 3 tests, the results of Eysenck's personality theory were the most accurate predictors of criminal behaviour
• AO3-some factors are more important than others

  e.g. the correlation between being highly psychotic and criminal behaviour is much stronger than the correlation between being highly neurotic and criminal behaviour
• AO3-Methodological concerns

  self-report techniques, such as the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, are often unreliable as the answer the participant gives varies depending on their mood.