Eysenck’s Theory of Criminal Behaviour – 16 marks Model Answer
Content:
• Clear AO1 Points – explained in detail for full marks
o Role of nervous system in personality
o Dimensions of behaviour: extraversion (E), neuroticism (N) and
psychoticism (P)
o Criminal personality = high PEN
• 2 detailed AO3 Paragraphs – strengths & limitations
o +Research support from Eysenck
o -Contradictory research
o -Theory supports single criminal type - reductionist
Example Question: Discuss Eysenck's theory of criminal behaviour (16
marks).
Top Band Answer:
Eysenck proposed the idea that our personality is determined by our
nervous system, and that people inherit a certain type of nervous
system that affects their ability to learn and adapt to the environment.
He proposed 2 dimensions of behaviour that allow us to measure
personality: extraversion (E) and neuroticism (N). He explained that
extraverts have an underactive nervous system and so constantly seek
excitement, and are likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour. On the
other hand, neurotic individuals have an overactive nervous system
which makes them more anxious, and touchy with a largely unstable
personality, making their behaviour difficult to predict. Eysenck
suggested that the criminal personality is made up of high scores on
extraversion (E), neuroticism (N) and also psychoticism (P) on the
Eysenck personality inventory (EPI), known as high PEN.
Content:
• Clear AO1 Points – explained in detail for full marks
o Role of nervous system in personality
o Dimensions of behaviour: extraversion (E), neuroticism (N) and
psychoticism (P)
o Criminal personality = high PEN
• 2 detailed AO3 Paragraphs – strengths & limitations
o +Research support from Eysenck
o -Contradictory research
o -Theory supports single criminal type - reductionist
Example Question: Discuss Eysenck's theory of criminal behaviour (16
marks).
Top Band Answer:
Eysenck proposed the idea that our personality is determined by our
nervous system, and that people inherit a certain type of nervous
system that affects their ability to learn and adapt to the environment.
He proposed 2 dimensions of behaviour that allow us to measure
personality: extraversion (E) and neuroticism (N). He explained that
extraverts have an underactive nervous system and so constantly seek
excitement, and are likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour. On the
other hand, neurotic individuals have an overactive nervous system
which makes them more anxious, and touchy with a largely unstable
personality, making their behaviour difficult to predict. Eysenck
suggested that the criminal personality is made up of high scores on
extraversion (E), neuroticism (N) and also psychoticism (P) on the
Eysenck personality inventory (EPI), known as high PEN.
