Complete the Social Theories of Personality Matrix.
The main function of a scientific theory is to help describe and explain how the world works. To form a scientific theory, scientists start with a set of assumptions, and then use logic and deductive reasoning to come up with hypotheses they can test. Psychologists use scientific theories to explore human thought, emotion, and behavior.
Assignment Preparation
Review “What Makes a Theory Useful?†in Ch. 1 of your textbook, Theories of Personality (pp. 11–14). This section explains the following 6 criteria of a useful scientific theory: generates research, is falsifiable, organizes data, guides action, is internally consistent, and is parsimonious (simple).
Additionally, review Ch. 2, 3, and 7 in Theories of Personality, which discuss the theories of Freud, Adler, and Erikson, as well as provide information about the criteria and importance of scientific theories. For this assignment, you will evaluate the theories of these 3 psychologists based on the 6 criteria of a useful theory.
Assignment Deliverable
Complete the Social Theories of Personality Matrix.
The finished matrix will help you complete your Wk. 2 – Summative Assessment: Comparing and Contrasting Psychodynamic and Psychosocial Theories.
Sample Solution
Social Theories of Personality Matrix
| Criterion | Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory | Adler's Individual Psychology | Erikson's Psychosocial Theory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generates Research | High - Freud's theory has stimulated a vast amount of research, particularly in the areas of dream analysis, psychoanalysis, and unconscious processes. | Moderate - Adler's theory has been less influential in generating research compared to Freud's, but it has inspired research on topics such as birth order, inferiority complex, and social interest. | High - Erikson's theory has generated significant research, particularly in the areas of lifespan development, identity formation, and cultural influences on personality. |
| Falsifiable | Low - Many of Freud's concepts, such as the unconscious and the Oedipus complex, are difficult to test empirically and falsify. | Moderate - Some aspects of Adler's theory, such as birth order and lifestyle analysis, can be tested empirically, although the specific mechanisms underlying these concepts are often difficult to isolate and measure. | Moderate - While Erikson's stages of psychosocial development are relatively clear-cut, the specific mechanisms underlying personality development can be difficult to isolate and measure. |
| Organizes Data | High - Freud's theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding human behavior, including motivation, dreams, and psychopathology. | Moderate - Adler's theory offers a useful framework for understanding individual differences in personality, particularly in terms of striving for superiority and social interest. | High - Erikson's theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding personality development across the lifespan, highlighting the importance of social and cultural factors. |
| Guides Action | Moderate - Psychoanalysis, a therapy based on Freud's theory, can be helpful for individuals struggling with unconscious conflicts and emotional difficulties. | Moderate - Adlerian therapy, which focuses on identifying and addressing maladaptive lifestyle patterns, can be helpful for individuals seeking to improve their social relationships and self-esteem. | High - Erikson's theory can be applied to various fields, including education, counseling, and social work, to promote healthy personality development and address developmental crises. |
| Internally Consistent | Low - Some aspects of Freud's theory, such as the role of the libido and the Oedipus complex, are controversial and have been subject to criticism. | Moderate - Adler's theory is generally internally consistent, but some aspects, such as the concept of fictional finalism, can be challenging to understand and apply. | High - Erikson's theory is relatively internally consistent, with a clear and logical progression of stages. |
| Parsimonious | Low - Freud's theory is complex and involves many abstract concepts, making it difficult to understand and apply. | Moderate - Adler's theory is relatively parsimonious, focusing on a few core concepts. | Moderate - Erikson's theory is more complex than Adler's, but it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding personality development. |