Module 4

Learning Objectives

· Evaluate psychodynamic theories and research designs

· Compare psychodynamic theories to trait theories, including the research associated with both

· Consider ethical issues associated with psychodynamic theories and the research

· Identify a research gap in personality psychology research

· Develop a basic research question addressing a gap in personality psychology research

Module at a Glance

This is the recommended plan for completing the reading assignments and activities within the module. Additional information can be found in the module Reading and Resources section and in the task list.

1. Read Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 in your textbook.

2. Write an initial post in the discussion. Remember to respond to your classmates on the discussion topic later in the week.

3. Using the Research Gap Worksheet, complete the worksheet task, Identifying a Research Gap.

Reading and Resources

Required Resources Textbook:  Personality: Theory and Research , Chapters 3 and 4 Chapter 3 explores Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and the importance of early childhood experiences in the development of personality. It also introduces Erikson’s theory. Chapter 4 explores the work of some of Freud’s followers (Jung, Adler, Sullivan, and Horney), as well as related theories, and takes a critical look at the psychodynamic theories and their contribution to personality psychology. These readings support this module’s discussion. Video: Psychoanalytic Theory  (7:42) This video, from Khan Academy, explains the basic elements of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and Freud’s structure of the mind. This resource supports this module’s discussion. Document: Research Gap Worksheet This worksheet will help you complete this module’s research gap worksheet assignment. In order to complete the worksheet, you will need to review the five studies in your chosen track. This worksheet is filled out to provide an example for you to follow. Use this sheet as a template by deleting the highlighted portion and replacing it with your own content. Additional Support (Optional)

Webpage: Purdue OWL Reference Page Information This webpage from the Purdue Online Writing Lab describes how to properly format references from a variety of sources in proper APA style. This resource is optional but supports this module’s research gap worksheet assignment as well as the content of the course as a whole.

MODULE OVERVIEW

In this module, you will examine psychodynamic theories, which includes Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Whereas the trait theories you learned about in Module Three emphasized the description of personality, the psychodynamic theories focus on explaining how personality develops. The psychodynamic theories propose that early childhood experiences are significant in the development of an individual’s personality.

The research designs used by psychoanalysts differ markedly from those used by trait theorists. Issues of ethics are also called into question. This module will give you a very different view of personality from the previous module, as well as those modules yet to come. Using what you know about good research design, you will be well positioned to further evaluate the claims made by psychoanalysts. Regardless of your conclusions, the psychodynamic theories have been extremely influential in the field of psychology historically, so it is important to understand the concepts set forth by this perspective.

Instructions

For this worksheet task, you will identify a gap in personality psychology research and begin to develop a basic research question to address the identified gap.

First, review the literature from the five articles in your chosen track (three that were provided for you and two that you chose on your own). Using the Research Gap Worksheet as a guide, identify a gap in the research from your articles. Based on that research gap, develop a question to address the gap.

Note: The Research Gap Worksheet is filled out to provide an example for you to follow. Use this sheet as a template by deleting the highlighted portion and replacing it with your own content.

Refer to the Purdue OWL website for proper APA formatting of sources.

For additional details, please refer to the Module Four Worksheet Guidelines and Rubric document.