Personality Psychology – Watson’s Behaviorism

Personality Psychology – Watson’s Behaviorism

Personality Psychology – Watson’s Behaviorism

Watson made a major contribution to the world of personality psychology when he introduced behaviorism. After reading this week’s selections and watching the assigned video on learning, address the following: What specific area in modern psychology is behaviorist theory and treatment valid? How is this theory applied? Why do you feel behaviorism is valid in this specific area? Give specific support for your opinion. Post should be at least 300 words.

Trait Theory

After reviewing the trait theories presented in this week’s readings, select the one that resonates with you the most.

· Why did you select this theory?

· How do you feel it enhances the field’s understanding of personality and your career?

· Be sure to discuss any drawbacks of the theory identified in your analysis.

Post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings by Day 7.

When replying to two of your peers, discuss the limitations of trait theory, despite it being one of the more popular models of personality.

Person as a Processor

Research the topic of the “wet mind” popularized by Stephen Kosslyn.

· Considering the human person as a processor, why do some cognitive psychologists think that the mind operates according to computational principles, similar to those followed by computers?

· Why do other cognitive psychologists emphasize the unique features of the “wet mind” that enables it to perform more efficiently than computers?

· What are the strength and limitations of each theory?

Post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings by Day 7.

When responding to your peers, review the outcomes reached by your peers and determine how you agree and disagree with them.

Personality and Feelings of Inferiority

What is the relationship between personality and feelings of inferiority?

· What is the relationship between personality and love (according to Fromm)?

· What are the similarities you see between personality and the two perspectives listed above?

· Lastly, provide a current example that illustrates your opinion.

Post should be at least 300 words.

Constructivism

Constructivism portrays humans as meaning-making creatures, actively involved in constructing their experiences.

· How do constructivists view the person as an active, conscious meaning-maker?

· How does this theory lend itself as the theoretical bridge from behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and object relations to humanism and existentialism?

Be specific in your reply. Post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings by Day 7.

Personality Theories Synthesizer

Suppose you are the grand compiler of personality theories.

· How would you synthesize the various personality theories covered in this course?

· Which of the theories made the greatest impact on your thinking about human personality?

· What features of these theories did you find most influential?

Post should be at least 300 words.

History of Personality Theory

The history of personality theory reaches back to the time of Hippocrates. Referring to the historical sections of the Lecci & Magnavita text and to the Lombardo & Foschi article:

· What’s the connection between historical and modern personality theory.

· Can you see a strong pattern emerging?

· What specific examples support your claims?

Humanistic and Existential Models of Personality

Discuss the similarities and differences between humanistic and existential theories.