Eysenck's Personality Theory and Extraversion-Introversion
This section delves into Eysenck's personality theory, focusing on the dimensions of extraversion-introversion and neuroticism-emotional stability.
Eysenck's theory of extraversion-introversion distinguishes between extroverts and introverts:
Definition: Extroverts are outgoing individuals who prefer company, get bored easily, and experience positive emotions. Introverts, conversely, prefer solitude, are more cautious, and less sociable.
The neuroticism-emotional stability dimension is also explored:
Definition: Neuroticism is a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression. Emotional stability, at the opposite end of the scale, is characterized by calmness and even-temperedness.
Eysenck's Personality Test was designed to measure these personality dimensions.
In applying his theory to criminology, Eysenck found that criminals often score highly on both extraversion and neuroticism. He explains this through a combination of conditioning and genetics:
Highlight: Extroverts have a nervous system that requires high levels of environmental stimulation, leading to excitement-seeking and potentially rule-breaking behavior. Neurotics are difficult to condition into following societal rules due to their high anxiety levels.
Eysenck later identified a third dimension, Psychoticism, which is also associated with criminal behavior:
Definition: Psychoticism is characterized by traits such as egocentricity, aggressiveness, impulsivity, lack of empathy, and disregard for others' welfare.
The strengths and limitations of Eysenck's theory in explaining criminality are discussed, including its usefulness in describing measurable tendencies that could increase offending risk, but also noting that correlation doesn't necessarily imply causation.
