strengths and weaknesses of personality theories

Strength of personality theory

One of the first theories that can measure criminal behaviour through surveys. By asking respondents to fill out questionnaires such as the EPQ. This is good because criminal traits can be measured to predict the likelihood of a person becoming criminal

Weakness of personality theory

They are reliant on self-report surveys such as the epq. This is problematic as when someone is filling out the survey they may not answer truthfully because they may not know or want to admit it about them. This is bad because it affects the validity of the theory

Strength of personality theory

There is further research to support the links between personality and criminality. In rushton and christjohns study, they compared E, N and P scores in students and found that students who reported higher levels of delinquency and high scores on the E,P and N. This shows accuracy

Weakness of personality theory

Difficult to establish whether personality does cause criminality or is just a correlation. For example R&CJ study found a positive correlation between delinquency and high scores on the EPQ but couldn’t conclude this was the cause of criminality.

Strength of personality theory

There is practical use for the theory in controlling criminal behaviour. By understanding a persons personality policies can be introduced to control their stimulation and excitement such as aversion therapy, so crime can be controlled.

Weakness of personality theory

Can be argued to be deterministic. Not everyone with a certain characteristic will commit crime. People with high E and N scores may not necessarily commit crimes due to their morals