Question

Choose at least two of the ten theorists we have discussed this semester. Compare and contrast them by: (1) explaining their theories, while focusing on their similarities and differences, and - (2) choose a particular idea, theme, or question, such as: individual’s relationship to society, inequality, deviance, psychoanalysis, romantic love, individual freedom , etc. Consider how it is discussed by these two theorists. i am choosing Freud and Skinner

Answer 1

The theories of Sigmund Freud and B.F Skinner are considered to be at poles in the field of psychology. The theory of Psychoanalysis proposed by Sigmund Freud gives emphasis to the unconscious part of human mind and the the Operant conditioning of B.F Skinner emphasizes on the conscious behavior of human beings. Thus, both are at opposites.

Sigmund Freud.

Sigmund Freud presented the development of human lifespan into psycholosexual stages. He divided human mind into three parts as id, ego and Superego. Together the childhood experiences and drives of unconscious motives play an important in shaping the personality of an individual. He believed that human behavior are mostly unconscious and are driven by the urges of the id, which is fulfilled by the careful manipulation of the ego. Thus, according to Freud human personality is the sum total of their interactions that occurs between their id, ego, and the superego and is largely unconscious.

Freuds psychoanalysis is an effective therapy, that is based on analysing those childhood impressions and unconscious factors that could have caused imbalance in the personality of the individual. His psychoanalysis gave a strong foundation to the other theories in psychology. But, the major drawback of Frueds theory psychoanalysis is that it is largely based on personal experiences than on scientif research and study, this questions the credibility of the theory.

B.F Skinner

According to B.F Skinner human personality development occurs because of the constant interaction with environment in which the individual is. His theories emphasizes on the Operant learning and he believes that behaviors are controlled by these operant conditioning that been learnt while interacting with the environment. Behaviors are controlled by rewards that are either positive or negative. Positive rewards always increases the chances of behavior to be repeated, while, negative rewards always decrease the chances of the behavior to be repeated. He believes that human behaviors are largely conscious and humans are mostly self aware of their behaviors.

Skinner developed his theory on guidelines of scientific methods. He studied behavior in the lab settings, hence, his theory is credible. But, the major drawback of this theory is that it hasn't got much importance in therapy as Freud's psychoanalysis. Thus, his theory follows determinism, in which the behavior is determined by the interaction with the environment and is conscious.