psychodynamic theory- personality types

What did Eysenck believe?

Certain personality types were more likely to commit crimes because they craved excitement but are slow to learn consequences. He only focused on two traits

1) extroversion/ introversion- extroverts are sociable but become bored very easily. Introverts need very little stimulation and are often in control of their situations

2) neuroticism/ stability- neurotics are often anxious and irrational and often depressed and prone to over- reacting. Stable personalities worry less and are more emotionally well- adjusted.

How did he test this?

He carried o ur a questionnaire on 700 soldiers who were being treated for neurotic disorders. He used their answers to develop personality traits

What did Eysenck believe?

Certain personality types were more likely to commit crimes because they craved excitement but are slow to learn consequences. He only focused on two traits

1) extroversion/ introversion- extroverts are sociable but become bored very easily. Introverts need very little stimulation and are often in control of their situations

2) neuroticism/ stability- neurotics are often anxious and irrational and often depressed and prone to over- reacting. Stable personalities worry less and are more emotionally well- adjusted.

How did he test this?

He carried o ur a questionnaire on 700 soldiers who were being treated for neurotic disorders. He used their answers to develop personality traits

Why do people commit crimes according to Eysenck?

Most people have a personality in the middle of the E and N scale but criminals score highly on both E and N. This is due to conditioning- learn to seek rewards and learn from punishment through conditioning. Genetics- some people inherit a nervous system that causes them to commit crimes.

What did Eysenck later add ?

A third trait- psychoticism- these people are cold, uncaring and aggressive to others