Grade levels: Adult

Builds on concepts introduced in Class 18. The class explores some of the implications of Cattell and Eysneck’s theories. Students learn of Cattell’s “dynamic lattice”, the three versions of “trait theory” developed from factor analysis, and the historical origins of Eysenck’s theory.

Discusses the systematic theory of personality offered by Kelly. The video class learns about George Kelly’s “Fundamental Postulate”, considers the pros and cons of his theory, and participate in an experiment to see how their own personal construct relates to the prediction and control of events.

Explores the central concept of “being”. The influence of philosophical existentialism on psychoanalysis is examined. Students learn the importance of the concept of “dasein” in existentialist psychology, and discuss the concepts of authenticity and alienation.

Explores self-actualization and the concept of “self”. The lesson includes discussion on the theories of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, whose work centers around the interplay of social influences and self-concept for a more holistic understanding of human behavior.

Examines the work of Freud’s successors. The lesson details the continuing influence of Freud’s work in the study of child development in clinical practice and in such non-psychological areas as history and literature. Refinements to Freud’s theories are discussed, including Anna Freud’s theories on defense mechanisms. Distinctions are drawn between “ego psychologists” and practitioners of classical psychoanalysis.

Reviews refinements to Freud’s theory since the 1960s. The lesson touches on the contributions of such theorists as Erik Erickson, Margaret Mahler, and Anna Freud to the evolution of modern psychoanalytic thought. The Study Guide offers a review in preparation for the first exam.

An introduction to behaviorism. The biological roots of behaviorism are reviewed, and the shift from psychoanalysis to science is examined. Seminal works discussed in this lesson include Ivan Pavlov’s research on reflex-driven learning and Edward Thorndike’s Laws of Effect and Exercise. The four characteristics of behaviorist philosophy are discussed.

Examines the dispute between two trends in learning theory. This lesson touches on the philosophical distinction between social learning theories (rational) and radical behaviorism (empirical). Students are challenged to think about how the methodology of learning research is influenced by either of these two divergent philosophies.

Discusses research that tempers radical behaviorism with intrapsychic constructs. This lesson outlines the challenge to strict behaviorist empiricism as found in the works of such researchers as John Dollard. Students learn how the “drive-cue-response-reward” model relates more to the idea of “psyche” as “mind” than classical behaviorism.

Continues the behaviorist debate introduced in Class 11. Albert Bandura’s more humanistic contributions to behaviorism are introduced. Students are challenged to compare Bandura’s theory of “reciprocal determinism” to B. F. Skinner’s classical behaviorist theories.