Criminal psychology Study Guide

Hans Eysenck proposed a theory of personality that suggested some individuals are more likely to commit crimes due to their innate personality traits. He believed that personality is largely determined by genetics and biology. Eysenck identified three key dimensions of personality: Extraversion-Introversion (E), Neuroticism-Stability (N), and Psychoticism (P). Extraverts are sociable, active, and thrill-seeking, requiring more stimulation from their environment due to underactive nervous systems. Introverts are quieter, more reserved, and prefer routine. Neurotics are anxious, moody, and emotionally unstable, reacting strongly to stress. Stable individuals are calmer and more emotionally resilient. Psychoticism is a dimension added later, characterised by aggression, impulsivity, lack of empathy, and antisocial tendencies. According to Eysenck, individuals with high scores on Extraversion, Neuroticism, and especially Psychoticism are more predisposed to criminal behaviour. He argued that these traits make it harder for individuals to learn from punishment and societal norms, leading to antisocial acts. For instance, extraverts may seek excitement through dangerous or illegal activities, while neurotics may act impulsively when stressed. Psychoticism, being strongly linked to antisocial behaviour, is considered the most significant predictor of criminality in his theory. This theory suggests that criminal behaviour is not purely a product of environment but has a significant biological and genetic component rooted in an individual's nervous system functioning.

Criminal behaviour in psychology refers to actions that violate laws and societal norms. Psychologists study why individuals engage in such behaviours, focusing on factors like genetics, brain function, personality traits, and environmental influences such as upbringing, social learning, and economic conditions. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for developing strategies to prevent crime and rehabilitate offenders. There are various ways to classify crimes. One common distinction is between violent crimes (e.g., assault, murder), property crimes (e.g., theft, burglary), and white-collar crimes (e.g., fraud, embezzlement). Other categories include victimless crimes (e.g., drug use where consent is given or implied), and organised crime. The measurement of crime is a complex process. Official statistics, often gathered by police forces, provide data on reported crimes, arrests, and convictions. However, these statistics only represent a fraction of all crimes committed, a phenomenon known as the 'dark figure of crime'. Victim surveys, where individuals are asked if they have been victims of crime, aim to capture some of this dark figure. Self-report surveys ask individuals about their own criminal activity, whether or not it was reported to the police. Each method has strengths and weaknesses; official statistics are systematic but incomplete, victim surveys provide a broader picture but rely on memory and willingness to disclose, and self-report surveys can be biased by distortion or non-disclosure. By combining these different measurement tools, psychologists and criminologists strive to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and nature of crime within a society.