Assignment:
Topic Selection:
Veronica Benet-Marti´nez - Cultural Influences on Personality and Bicultural Identity
Instructions:
APA style. Abstract, References, 8 Pages in Length excluding cover page and references page.
1. Defend a position on the role personality psychology plays in the broader field of psychology and its relevancy to practical issues
2. Propose appropriate solutions to complex problems that draw upon contemporary principles and current research in personality psychology
3. Analyze foundational theories of personality for their historical context, theorist's biases, research methods, and relevance to current thinking in the field
4. Evaluate the continued relevancy and accuracy of classic theories of psychology in the context of contemporary research findings
5. Assess personality psychology practices in terms of their appropriateness for diverse populations
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
Select and analyze a foundational theory of personality for its historical context, theorist's biases, and research methods.
Aspects you will address in this analysis would include the following:
A. Analyze the background of your theory. This means including key biographical information related to the theorist (not simply providing biographical elements about the theorist) and the historical context in which the theory was developed. For example, were there important world events that may have influenced the theorist?
B. Analyze the essential characteristics of the theory. This is a section in which you begin to incorporate relevant research that demonstrates the development of the theory. For example, was the theory a reaction against other forces in psychology of the time or an extension of the work of an earlier theorist?
2. Evaluate this theory's continued relevance, validity, and corresponding accuracy in the context of the contemporary principles and current research findings in this field.
A. Evaluate the validity and corresponding accuracy of the theory. Validity of a theory relates to such issues as how well the theory explains behavior, how well the theory makes testable predictions, and how well those predictions are supported by research.
B. Evaluate the aspects that are relevant in the field today and the ones that are not. What is the current thinking in the field using evidence from recent research? Note that "recent" research is defined as within the last five years.
3. After analyzing and evaluating your selected foundation theory and theorist(s), you will use this lens to analyze a complex problem in the field of personality psychology that draws upon this theory and propose an appropriate solution to that complex problem that draws upon contemporary principles and current research findings in this field.
A. Discuss how your theory relates to the problem. For example, if you are addressing psychoanalytical theory and the current complex problem you are addressing is child abuse and neglect, explain how your theory relates to or explains this problem.
B. Ensure that the solution you propose is consistent with the theory and contemporary relevance of the problem you have identified. How would your selected theorist approach this problem? For example, if you have selected one of the existential theorists, how might he or she conceptualize the current problem of PTSD? What specific approach would the theorist take in dealing with this problem? How valid do you find this approach? If there is available research related to the application of this theory to this specific problem, describe that research here. Also, consider describing research that you believe would help inform this issue.
4. In discussing your solution, assess how personality psychological practices differ in terms of their appropriateness for diverse populations and application practices.
Address the applicability of your selected theory in terms of its appropriateness for diverse populations. Applicability of a theory generally relates to how well the theory can be applied to real-world situations. In other words, how well can your selected theory be applied in a variety of cultural situations? o Include examples of how the approach to implementing your solution in practice might differ based on the target population.
6. Include a cogent thesis and thesis argument that will clearly defend a position on the role personality psychology plays in the broader field of psychology and its relevancy to practical issues.