Eysenck's Personality Theory and Criminality

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Questions and Answers

According to Eysenck, what is the biological basis for personality traits?

Variations in neurotransmitter levels within neural circuits.
Hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions.
Social learning and environmental factors.
Underactive or overreactive nervous systems influencing excitability. (correct)

Which of the following describes Eysenck's characterization of neurotic individuals?

Responding quickly and strongly to stimuli due to an overreactive sympathetic nervous system. (correct)
Being calm and predictable, with a stable emotional state.
Having an underactive sympathetic nervous system, making them seek excitement.
Exhibiting high levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness.

According to Eysenck's research, which personality traits are criminals most likely to exhibit?

High scores in extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. (correct)
High scores in extraversion and neuroticism, but low psychoticism.
Low scores in extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism.
High scores in agreeableness and conscientiousness.

What was the primary finding of Farrington's meta-analysis regarding Eysenck's theory?

Criminals consistently showed higher levels of psychoticism, but findings on extraversion were inconsistent. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges the basic assumptions of Eysenck's claims?

Findings claiming borderline individuals are introverts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'sensitivity theory' suggest regarding the development of antisocial behavior?

Introverts delay gratification, leading to adaptive behavior, while extraverts impulsively seek immediate gratification, potentially leading to antisocial behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Bartol's (1991) study of Hispanic and African-American offenders impact the generalizability of Eysenck's theory?

It indicated that Eysenck's theory may not be fully generalizable due to cultural differences. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes a limitation of Eysenck's theory, based on the provided information?

It may not fully account for cultural variations in personality and criminal behavior. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Eysenck claim about the relationship between underactive nervous systems and seeking excitement?

Individuals with underactive nervous systems seek excitement to increase baseline arousal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sensitivity theory, what is the significance of 'delay gratification'?

It is associated with introversion which promotes adaptive behaviour. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Eysenck's Personality Dimensions

Personality dimensions can be placed on spectrums: Extraversion vs. Introversion; Neuroticism vs. Stability

Eysenck: Nervous System & Personality

Extraverts have underactive nervous systems, seeking excitement. Neurotic individuals have overreactive sympathetic nervous systems, leading to nervousness and unpredictability.

Eysenck's Criminal Personality

Criminals tend to score higher in all three personality types (extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism), according to Eysenck's theory.

Critique of Eysenck's theory

Farrington's meta-analysis found that criminals were not necessarily extraverted, challenging Eysenck's claims.

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Sensitivity theory

Suggests that introverted children, if sensitivity trained, display delayed gratification, reducing impulsivity or antisocial behaviors.

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Study Notes

Eysenck believed that personality dimensions such as introversion/extraversion and neuroticism/stability can be decided on spectrums.
Eysenck claimed that these dimensions have a biological basis.

Nervous system & personality

Extroverts possess underactive nervous systems, so they seek excitement.
Neurotic individuals' sympathetic nervous systems respond quickly and strongly, making them nervous, irritable, and difficult to predict.
Psychotic individuals are prone to aggression.

Criminality according to Eysenck

Criminals tend to score higher in all three of Eysenck's personality types.
Eufend (1977) supported the theory of criminal personalities by comparing 2070 criminals with 2400 controls, noting that inmates were generally the same three characteristics.

Issues with Eysenck's research

Farrington conducted a meta-analysis and discovered that offenders were not higher in all three personality types, disagreeing with the theory of criminal personalities.
There are inconsistent differences between introverts and extroverts
Findings challenge Eysenck's claims because other factors were not considered.

Sensitive periods

Believes that children have sensitive periods in time to delay gratification to develop.
High extraversion may lead to impulsive and antisocial behavior.

Bartol (1991) finding

Bartol (1991) discovered that a local Hispanic and African-American offender sample was less extraverted.
This suggests that the theory may have generalisability issues meaning the theory may not be applicable.

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Description

Explore Eysenck's personality theory, which suggests personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism are biologically based and exist on a spectrum. Learn how these traits, along with psychoticism, relate to criminal tendencies. Also examines research supporting and questioning Eysenck's claims.