Detailed Exploration of Psychological Theories and Research Methods

This essay provides an overview of several key psychological theories, including behaviorism (Pavlov, Thorndike, Skinner, Watson), humanistic psychology (Maslow, Carl Rogers), psychodynamic theory (Freud), and biological psychology (Darwin, Harlow). It discusses the core concepts of each theory, such as classical and operant conditioning, the hierarchy of needs, the influence of unconscious motives, and the role of genetics and evolution. The essay also includes personal reflections on the theories, identifying those the author finds most and least compelling, and concludes by considering the influence of these theories on the future of psychology and suggesting new research methods. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering study tools and solved assignments for students.

PSYCHOLO
GY
ASSIGNMEN
T

PART 2
PORTFOLIO
PRESENTATION
 Introduction – Outline
 Psychological theories
1. Behavioral
2. Humanistic
3. Psychodynamic
4. Biological
 Theories I like
 Theories I dislike
 Conclusion
 Influence of these theories on future of psychology
 New method that can be applied to the research in psychology

BEHAVIOUR
AL
Pavlov
Thorndike
Skinner
Watson

PAVLOV
 The theory involves classical conditioning which
involves learning to associate an unconditional stimulus
that already brings about a specific response with a new
stimulus.
 This is developed so that new stimulus can bring the
same response. The theory is based on an example (dog).
For instance, psychologist identifies that identifies that
learning is related to unconditioned stimulus which is
already brought particular response with a total
innovative stimulus. Thus, such type of learning is
related to response.
 It says that dog does not need to learn.
 The theory shows direct relationship between
unconditional stimulus and unconditioned response
which exists in behavior.

THORNDIKE
 The theory involves operant
conditioning within behaviorism.
 It has been conducted on cats which and
along with that, an experiment is also
conducted.
 It depicts the law of effect which stated
that any behavior which is followed by
pleasant consequences is likely to
happen on repeated basis.
 However, on the other hand the
behavior that is followed by unpleasant
consequences is likely to be stopped.

SKINNER
 The theory contends that
classical conditioning is far
too simplistic to be a
complete examination of
complex human behavior.
 Hence, the best way to
comprehend behavior is to
look at the causes of an
action and its consequences.

WATSON
 The theory has been developed by applying it to child
development.
 The theory depicts that a child’s environment is the factor that
shapes different behavior over the genetic make up and
natural temperament.

HUMANISTIC
Maslow
Carl Rogers

Maslow need
hierarchy
theory
Maslow hierarchy need model identifies that the individual needs that
need to be followed so that best results can be attained-
 Physiological needs- It involves the basic needs that needs such as air,
water, food and shelter.
 Safety needs- Individual involves such need as crucial and thus assess
safety and security needs of individuals.
 Belongingness- Further, such need assesses work group, family and
affection.
 Esteem needs- It identifies the status, prestige and responsibilities
needs of individual towards others.
 Self actualization needs- it assesses the personal potential and self
fulfilment so that best results can be attained.

MASLOW
 The theory states that humanism was
a reaction to both the pessimistic
determinism of psychoanalysis.
 It also emphasizes upon
psychological disturbances to the
behaviorists views of humans that
reacts to the environment.
 Further, it is also mentioned that
personality of a person changes the
behavior and motivational needs

CARL ROGERS
 The subsequent theory
contends that in order to
grow, a person needs to
have an environment that
can provide the
opportunity to become
genuine, acceptable and
comprehensive.

PSYCHODYNAM
IC
FREUD
 The theory sees that human functioning is based upon the
interaction of drives and forces that exist within a person.
 It also shows interrelationships amid different structures
of the personality.
 The theory also contends that human behavior and
feelings are powerfully affected by unconscious motives.
 Further, in the theory it is also mentioned that all behavior
has a cause which is usually unconscious.