Psychological Explanations of Criminality

Overview

This topic explores two contrasting psychological explanations for criminal behaviour: Eysenck's theory of the criminal personality and Sutherland's Social Learning Theory. Examiners expect candidates to not only describe these theories accurately (AO1) but also to apply them to scenarios (AO2) and critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses using evidence (AO3). A key focus is the nature-nurture debate, with Eysenck representing a biological (nature) perspective and SLT representing an environmental (nurture) view. Mastery of this topic requires understanding the core assumptions of each theory, the evidence that supports or refutes them (especially Heaven, 1996), and the ability to construct a well-argued evaluation comparing their relative merits. Marks are awarded for precision, such as correctly defining Eysenck's PEN dimensions and explaining the cognitive mechanisms of SLT.

Key Individuals

Hans Eysenck

Role: German-British Psychologist

Key Actions: Proposed a theory of personality based on three dimensions: Psychoticism (P), Extraversion (E), and Neuroticism (N). He argued that individuals with high P, E, and N scores have a 'criminal personality' due to their inherited biological makeup.

Impact: His theory provided one of the first comprehensive biological explanations for criminality, linking personality traits to underlying physiological systems like the Reticular Activating System (RAS). It remains a cornerstone of the nature-nurture debate in psychology.

Albert Bandura

Role: Canadian-American Psychologist

Key Actions: Developed Social Learning Theory (SLT), arguing that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of role models. He conducted the famous Bobo Doll studies, which demonstrated that children learn aggression through observation.

Impact: Bandura's work shifted the focus from purely behavioural explanations to cognitive ones, introducing concepts like vicarious reinforcement and the four cognitive processes (Attention, Retention, Motivation, Reproduction). SLT provides a powerful framework for understanding how criminal behaviour can be transmitted through social environments.

Second-Order Concepts

Causation

Eysenck: Criminality is caused by an inherited, under-aroused nervous system (for Extraverts) and high levels of testosterone (for Psychoticism), making individuals difficult to socialise and prone to risk-taking.

SLT: Criminality is caused by exposure to criminal role models, vicarious reinforcement (seeing crime pay off), and the internalisation of pro-criminal attitudes and behaviours.

Change & Continuity

Change: The focus of explanation has shifted from purely biological determinism (Eysenck) to a more interactionist approach that considers the interplay of biological, social, and cognitive factors.

Continuity: The nature-nurture debate remains a central theme. Both theories, despite their differences, attempt to explain why some individuals are more prone to criminality than others.

Significance

These theories are significant because they have had a major impact on the real world. Eysenck's work, while controversial, influenced early criminal profiling. SLT has had a huge impact on rehabilitation programmes, which often focus on changing an offender's social environment and providing positive role models.

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