This paper will address the various concepts of psychology as well as some of the criticisms directed towards Sigmund Freud’s theories. Also, the differences between two of the earliest psychological perspectives will be discussed. Finally, the psychodynamic psychological perspective will be described with regards to a provided scenario.
Contrast Structuralism versus Functionalism
The initial definition of psychology focused on separating philosophy and biology. Later, the focus shifted on an attempt to explain human behavior and the human mind. Though functionalism and structuralism made essential contributions in psychology, they did not hold up for long, right after psychology progressed, and after perspectives such as behaviorism, cognitive psychology, psychoanalysis, and humanism were founded.
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Structuralism versus Functionalism
Both structuralism and functionalism are the earliest psychological theories, and functionalism is a reaction theory to structuralism. Structuralism is, therefore, the oldest psychological principle, whose founder was Edward B. Titchener. Both theories seek to explain human behavior. Structuralism establishes the basic units within the human brain and connects them to feelings, inner experiences and sensations. In structuralism, researchers sought to determine the basic elements of consciousness by breaking down mental processes in necessary components. This approach towards the explanation of human behavior lacked objectivity and was inherently subjective since it was based on introspection. Participants reported their feelings and sensations to the researchers.
Rather than focusing on the structure, functionalism focuses on the human mind roles and functions, and therefore focuses more on human behavior. While functionalism is practical, structuralism is theoretical (Cherry, 2018). Functionalism was founded by Charles Darwin, and William James and the researchers sought to systematically and accurately explain mental processes. By focusing on the purpose of behavior and consciousness, functionalists could explain individual differences (Cherry, 2018).
Why Sigmund Freud’s Theories Were Considered To Be So Controversial
Freud’s theories were considered to be controversial because some of the theories that he presented were either not originally his, or some of the aspects of the theories were discovered unscientifically. Moreover, there are things from his theories that are plain wrong. Besides, psychoanalytic theories lack empiricism and hence consider interpretations. His theories are also filled with ethical lapses. Moreover, most critics regard Freud’s work as non-scientific (Cherry, 2018) and are, therefore, good at explaining behavior, rather than predicting behavior. For instance, one cannot measure the unconscious mind objectively; hence the unscientific claims cloud Freud’s theories. Also, the unrepresentative sampling conducted by Freud’s means that his research studies cannot be used to represent larger populations. The fact that he believed in the qualitative difference between people leaves his thoughts unimportant from a psychological perspective (Cherry, 2018).
Psychological Perspectives
I would use the psychodynamic perspective to explain why the neighbor is so miserable. I would use this perspective because it outlines that childhood experiences influence adult behaviors. The unconscious mind, as well as childhood experiences, determines individual behaviors (McLeod, 2013). It could be possible that the miserable neighbor ha some rough life experiences as a child which resulted in a negative attitude towards every person that he comes across. It is also possible that the guy used as a defense mechanism against anxiety. An individual’s personality is primarily shaped by the events that one experienced as a child. Since the mind’s activities are unconscious, it might be possible that the guy is not aware of his mental activities, processes, motives, and feelings. A combination of identifiable psychological and biological processes determines the development of motives, emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. It is, however, the unconscious mind which produces material that causes anxiety and aggressiveness (McLeod, 2013). I would seem that the individual has inner conflicts that need to be resolved.
Conclusion
There are different ways in which psychology views human behaviors. Various theories have been studied over the years, and all these theories have a different assumption about human behavior. These theories, however, have certain visible limitations but still, make relevant contributions to psychology. Human behavior is complicated, but viewing it from the different psychological perspectives can improve the ability to understand it. Moreover, a single aspect of human behavior can be explained using different psychological perspectives.
References
Bornstein, R. (2019). The psychodynamic perspective. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. DOI:nobaproject.com
Cherry, K. (2018). Structuralism and Functionalism: Their Influence on Psychology. Retrieved January 10, 2019, from https://www.verywellmind.com/structuralism-and-functionalism-2795248
McLeod, S. (2013). Psychology Perspectives | Simply Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/perspective.html
