we have a predisposition to inherit certain traits, some of which could make it more likely for an individual to develop a criminal personality. (continues on next page) Notes Biological basis for; Extroversion: Due to low levels of arousal in the brain. Extraverts seek excitement and stimulation from the environment and are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour. Neuroticism: Due to the ANS, some people react swiftly and strongly to stress physiologically. Eysenck argued that those who are high in neuroticism would react quickly and to a greater degree. Their general instability means their behaviour is difficult to predict. Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) (This is also referred to as Eysenck's Personality Inventory or EPI) This measures where an individual is along the E, N & P dimensions to determine their personality type. Below are some examples for items measuring each personality trait: Do you like to talk a lot? (E) Are you rather lively (E) Do you about things that might happen (N) Are your feelings rather easily hurt? (N) Do you seem to get into a lot of fights (P) Would you enjoy practical jokes that could sometimes really hurt people (P) Eysenck's theory applied to criminal behaviour He suggested individuals who measure high on each trait are more likely to commit crime, but for different reasons. High extraverts are sensation seekers and for that reason the 'thrill' of committing a crime might draw them to offending behaviour. High neurotics experience high levels of emotion, meaning they are more likely to commit a crime in an emotionally charged situation. Individuals scoring high on the psychoticism scale are more likely to commit crime as they are aggressive and lack conscience – meaning they will be less holding them back and concern for others will not prevent them from committing the crime.
Cognitive explanations of offending behaviour. We will consider two cognitive explanations of offending behaviour here. Level of moral reasoning Kohlberg proposed a stage theory of moral development (see below) in which some individuals do not progress past certain levels. The higher the stage the more sophisticated the moral reasoning. He based his theory on people's responses to a series of moral dilemmas, such as the Heinz dilemma. Kohlberg claims that crimes may be committed by individuals who have a lower level of moral reasoning than non-criminals. Level Stage Reasoning behind committing a crime. Level 1 morality Stage 1 – Obedience & punishment orientation Stage 2 – Instrumental orientation or personal gain Basic reasoning: Will I be punished? If punishment is not definite, a crime is likely to be committed. What is there to gain from criminal behaviour. If the potential gains are good then the crime is more likely to occur. 2 Conventional morality 3 – 'Good boy/girl' orientation Stage 4 – Law and Order orientation What other people think? If the closest people are criminals then the crime is more likely to occur. Is the act illegal? Someone at this stage would be less likely to commit a crime. Level 3 morality 5 – Social contract legalistic orientation Stage 6 – Universal ethical principles orientation Adhering to the law but may commit a in certain circumstances, where they may feel the law should not apply. The individual has their own moral code and may commit a crime if they feel the law is unjust. Notes Many studies have suggested that criminals tend to show a level of moral reasoning than conventional