Biological perspective - Eysenck’s theory
Eysenck developed a theory of personality development which
determines behaviour, it is known as trait theory. He believed that our
behaviour is determined solely by our genetic make up (Nature rather
than nurture) and that environmental factors does not influence our
personality in any way. Our personality is inherited and based on
genetics, it will not change as is pre-determined.
In psychology, Trait theory is a major approach to the study of human
personality. Trait theorists are primarily interested in the measurement of
traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and
emotion. According to this perspective, traits are relatively stable over
time, differ among individuals (e.g. some people are outgoing whereas
others are shy), and influence behaviour.
Main features/characteristics of Eysenck’s theory
� Personality development is influenced by brain and body chemistry,
we are born with a specific personality and this cannot change as in our
genes. In other words we are born with certain traits which will result in
personality development – cannot change
� three central traits
 introversion/extroversion – some people at either ends of extremes
but many somewhere in middle, this will shape personality as if
they are introverted are less likely to be.
 stability/instability if an individual is generally stable they are more
likely to try new challenges, be more content and confident etc
which all affect personality
 tough minded/tender minded
� He believed that intelligence was purely inherited and is linked to our
physiology and can be measured using physiological responses to stimuli.
Any comparisons of differences in individual’s reactions to events or
circumstances
� personality can be measured with personality tests, and that we can
predict future behaviours of people – basis for psychometric testing
� Eysenck also argued that criminal behaviour is particularly associated
with extroversion and instability
Biological perspective emphasises: (key words)
 inheritance
 genetics
 maturation/hormones
 pre-determinism/cannot be changed
 ‘nature’
 life experiences responded to according to inherited
predisposition
 environment and upbringing has no-little effect
 born with characteristics/personality/intelligence
 ‘culture free’
Describe three features of the Biological perspective
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Sample Questions
Using the Biological Perspective: explain the changes in behaviour
which often occur during adolescence (11-18 years)
• during adolescence hormonal changes will influence behaviour
• puberty/adolescence represent a maturational process which brings
about behavioural changes
Eysenck: • personality is inherited/genetically pre-programmed, this will
determine behaviour and responses • personality traits –
introvert/extrovert stable/unstable (neurotic) tough minded/tender
minded.
Assess the usefulness of the is Biological perspective when predicting
behaviours of younger people/older people
Advantages/positives/usefulness of his theory
+ can identify personality type of child and can treat the child accordingly
in a fair and appropriate manner.
+ can predict how a child will behave in particular situations
+ identify similarities between siblings
+ can promote positive expectations through knowledge of family
background
+ could develop closer links with family members
+ could give a personality test
+ can plan appropriate activities to suit personality type
Disadvantages/negatives/how not useful
− can ‘jump to conclusions’ inappropriately
− stereotyped expectations of behaviour
− shy children may not be sufficiently challenged
− children with extrovert personalities may be given more attention
− siblings inappropriately expected to behave in similar ways
− prejudice may occur through inappropriate beliefs
− can promote negative expectations through knowledge of
family background
− can create resentment if children compared with siblings or
other family members
Criticisms of Eysenck’ s theory
Main criticism is that the biological perspective does not take into
consideration any environmental factors that can influence personality
and behaviour. External influences are ignored for example the influence
that role models, friends, teachers can have on development of behaviour.
Also he did not consider that any environmental factors such as income,
education could change personality or behaviour. There are many
examples and evidence that the influence of strong role models can
influence behaviour ‘follow the crowd’.
Also argued is the fact that traits are often poor predictors of behaviour.
While an individual may score high on assessments of a specific trait, he
or she may not always behave that way in every situation. Another
problem is that trait theories do not address how or why individual
differences in personality develop or emerge.
Care workers may jump to conclusions on how people will behave in
certain situations if they are a particular personality type e.g. a extrovert
may be blamed for making loud noises in a classroom situation.
Prejudices can be made toward certain personality types, this can cause
resentment between siblings or peers.
Using one theory, describe the disadvantages of using the Biological
perspective in an early years setting
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