The set of questions listed below have been designed around the 5 basic schools of psychology. You are to examine your own behavior as a function of each of the 5 basic perspectives. First state what each of the perspectives believes about behavior (thesis statement) about behavior. The perspectives are outlined in the first chapter of your textbook. You may want to do outside research if you want more information. I may be able to help you find the sources that you need.
Summary of course paper-
7 paragraphs
Paragraph 1- Introduction of yourself- Tell me about what makes you — YOU.
Paragraph 2-6 Examine yourself according to the 5 schools of psychology (Your thesis statement should be a definition of each school. ) THIS IS IMPORTANT
For example– Biological Psychology believes that our behavior is determined by our genes, hormones, chemicals and brain structure. In this portion of the paper, I will examine my biological roots by delving into my biological background……(Tell me about your parents and grandparents– what types of behaviors do they display?)
Biological
Behaviorism
Cognitive
Humanistic
Psychoanalytical
The final paragraph is a conclusion regarding your summarizing what you have learned about yourself through this examination. Which school of thought seems to play a greater role in your life? Also include which school of thought, you would tend to use if you were a psychologist analyzing behavior.
The first section of your paper should be an introduction of yourself such as: your background information, how you define yourself, what your goals are, why you chose to take this Psych 1 class, major life events that have brought you to the place you are now, what are some issues you currently struggle with etc.
The Body of your paper should be an analysis of the 5 schools of thought in any order you desire.
Please remember to make your thesis statement as the basic philosophy of each school.
1.(Psychoanalytic) ( Review Freud’s theory of personality) Examine the outcome of each stage of your own development according to Freud=s theory ( i.e. Oral, anal, phallic). The discussion should include your relationship with your parents, the messages that they sent you about yourself, your relationship with your siblings, family expectations, the household environment (was it structured, chaotic, cold, loving etc.)
What are your mother’s personality characteristics?
What are your father’s personality characteristics
Your Relationship with Mom
Your Relationship with Dad
How do you think these relationships have affected you?
Discuss yourself in terms of Freud’s stages of psychosexual development. Do you feel you are fixated at any one or all of the stages?
Discuss some examples of defense mechanisms that you may have engaged in.
2. (Biological) (Review Biological chapter 3 textbook) Examine genetic or biological traits that you may have inherited from your family members. Things to consider may be intelligence, body type, aggression, alcohol-drug abuse, schizophrenia, depression, job preference, attention-deficit disorder, shyness, artistic or athletic ability, etc. Examine your own views with regard to the Nature vs. Nurture controversy.
Describe your family member’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
Do you see a pattern throughout the family?
3. (Cognitive) (See the therapy chapter in the textbook and look up cognitive therapy) What are your current thought processes at this time in your life? Examine major areas in your life such as relationships, friendships, job goals, school work etc.
Please note that I have included two questionaires at the end of this assignment to help you figure all of this out. You do NOT have to do the Irrational Idea questionaire or the Automatic thought process questionaire, but they may help you with this particular paragraph.
What thought processes do you engage in when approaching these things.
What things cause you the most stress in life?
What irrational thoughts are you most likely to engage in?
4.(Humanistic)(See personality chapter textbook)Examine your own life in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.Evaluate yourself with respect what would be satisfying to you at each level and why? Evaluate yourself with respect to how you score on the list of self- actualized traits.Do you receive unconditional positive regard?
Please Note: I have included a self actualization questionaire at the end of this assignment to help you write this paragraph. YOu are not required to complete it, but it may help.
5. (Behaviorism) ( See learning chapter 7 in textbook) What behaviors do you feel that you learned from your environment. After completing an examination of yourself, determine what are some things that you would like to change?How would you like to be different?Then develop a behavioral program to reach some of these goals.
The final section of your paper will be your philosophy with regard to the 5
