eval

• The EPI takes on a reductionist approach to assessing and measuring personality, as suggested by Mischel (1988). Personality traits are unlikely to all be accounted for using only 3 dimensions and measured by being assigned a single number. These traits are also likely to change depending on who we interact with and under what circumstances, thus not always being stable. This means that such a reductionist approach may not offer an accurate account of personality
• The criminal personality theory shares a weakness similar to the top-down approach, and that is an oversimplication of the classification of criminals. It is unlikely that there is only one criminal personality type, as suggested by Digman’s Five Factor Model which suggests that there are additional dimensions along which personality can be measured. These include extraversion, 2 agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience (or Intellect).
• Moffitt proposes at least 4 types of offender eg adolescent limited, adult starter etc; emphasises the importance of just two personality factors which conflicts with recent personality theory eg 5 factor model; inconsistent evidence that offenders have high E scores; high psychoticism not often correlated with high E and N scores; implications or saying criminality is innate.
• The criminal personality theory shares a weakness similar to the top-down approach, and that is an oversimplification of the classification of criminals. It is unlikely that there is only one criminal personality type, as suggested by Digman’s Five Factor Model which suggests that there are additional dimensions along which personality can be measured. These include extraversion, 2 agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience (or Intellect).