Reference no: EM133546332

Homework: Project Guidelines

Overview

The project for this course is focused on one specific personality theory (or set of theories) for which you will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, provide a nuanced, critical analysis of the subject matter, and illustrate the theory's relevance in the field today. This will be accomplished by producing a theoretical analysis which will include a detailed description of the theories' major concepts, the key theorists, and the published research regarding the theory. You will provide a critical analysis of the validity of the theory, its strengths and weaknesses, and the cultural utility of the theory. Finally, you will consider the theory's contemporary relevance and its place within the larger context of the field of personality psychology by proposing an application of the theory to a contemporary issue or phenomenon and discussing the possible future development of this theory.

The project will be developed over the length of the course as you will submit three outlines for feedback before completing the draft. The outlines will be due in Modules Three, Five, and Seven. The product will be submitted in Module Nine.

Refer to the Project Topics document (linked in the project review task in Module One) for a list of approved theories for this project.

In this homework, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:

1. Evaluate the use of personality theories in published research for validity and contemporary relevance
2. Analyze contemporary theories in personality psychology for their changing roles in the field over time
3. Defend the use of personality psychology theories by assessing them against alternative theoretical perspectives
4. Illustrate the applicability of theories in personality psychology to contemporary issues and different cultural perspectives
5. Formulate conclusions on the contemporary use of theories in personality psychology based on theoretical analysis

Prompt

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

A. Background and Basics of the Theory

1. Provide a historical overview of your selected theory, including relevant historical events that influenced the theory.

2. Analyze the historical development of the theory based on when and where it was developed. Consider what the prevailing theories of the time were. How does this theory relate to the earlier theories?

3. Identify the key theorist (theorists) associated with this theory. Provide the relevant biographical information and historical events that may have influenced the theorist's work and led to the development of the theory.

4. Articulate the key concepts of this theory as conceived by the key theorist(s). Support your response with relevant research. Be sure to include primary sources and noteworthy or historically relevant research.

5. Discuss how the theory is used today, identifying key differences from its initial application. What key concepts in the theory have changed over time, and how has the theory's role changed?

B. Evaluation and Comparison

1. Develop a position statement regarding your theory's continued relevance in personality psychology today. Your statement must be supported with logical rationale.

2. Evaluate the validity and accuracy of your theory. Consider both primary and secondary resources and cite specific examples from the research to support your evaluation. Include both historical and current research in your evaluation and consider the differences where applicable

3. Determine the theory's appropriateness for a range of cultural perspectives in its contemporary use. Be sure to cite relevant research. How well does this theory make testable predictions about human behavior across a range of cultural perspectives, including those of special populations? Give specific examples from the research where possible.

4. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Support your claims with research-based evidence.

5. Based on the weaknesses you discover, choose two alternative personality theories to discuss. Be sure to explain how these alternative theories challenge the validity, weaknesses, or biases of your theory.

6. Defend the usefulness of your theory in contemporary settings against the alternative theories and the challenges you just presented.

C. Application and Conclusion

1. Discuss the contemporary relevance of how your theory is used in the larger context of the field of personality psychology. Utilize current (within the last five years) research.

2. Apply your theory in explaining a real-world problem or phenomenon.

a. How would your key theorist(s) understand this problem in terms of its root cause and primary characteristics?

b. Assess published contemporary research for solutions with the potential to address this problem or phenomenon. Does the contemporary use of your theory provide viable approaches to this problem? What are they?

c. Explain how this application of your theory demonstrates the theory's contemporary relevance and potential to advance knowledge within the field of personality psychology.

3. Summarize the changing use of your theory over time, including how its use compares with other theories in personality psychology.

4. Consider the future relevance of this theory within the field of personality psychology. How might it develop in order to remain relevant? Be specific about aspects of the theory that are most or least likely to contribute to the future relevance of the theory.

Milestones

Milestone One: Background and Basics of Theory

In Module Three, you will submit an outline of the Background and Basics of Theory section of the project. This will include the historical overview of the theory, information about the key theorist(s) associated with the theory, and an introduction to the key concepts of the theory. Furthermore, the way the theory is used today will also be discussed.

Milestone Two: Evaluation and Comparison

In Module Five, you will create an outline of the Evaluation and Comparison section of the project. This will begin with a position statement. Then evaluate the validity and accuracy of your theory based on both primary and secondary research, discuss the theory's appropriateness for a range of cultural perspectives in its contemporary use, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Based on the weaknesses you discover, choose two alternative personality theories to discuss and then defend the usefulness of your theory in contemporary settings against the alternative theories.

Milestone Three: Application and Conclusion

In Module Seven, you will submit an outline of the Application and Conclusion section of the project. Utilize current research to support an explanation of the role this theory plays in the larger context of the field of psychology. Apply this theory to a real-world problem, including how the key theorists might understand the problem, how the theory could lend support for solutions to the problem, and how this relates to the role of your theory in the current field. Create a conclusion that considers the future of this theory in the field and how the theory might develop in order to remain relevant in the field.

Submission: Theoretical Analysis

In Module Nine, you will submit your project. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.