Instructions
***Write a 7-to-10 page Argumentative Essay explaining which type of theory, psychodynamic or non-psychodynamic, provides the best explanation for your personality today. In this paper you will use vocabulary and concepts from two or more of the theories in chapters 8 to 16, and argue how they are more or less accurate at explaining how your unique personality was formed.
***The essay should demonstrate understanding of both psychodynamic explanations and two more modern theoretical views on personality.
***Format: This is a more formal written assignment that should be based upon both our text and current professional literature. You should study the literature regarding questions or controversy surrounding non-psychodynamic personality theories, form a thesis statement based on your understanding of the material read, and then argue for that thesis statement. You should move beyond simply reporting the information gathered from the literature to a complex analysis of the material, formulation of a position related to the question or controversy, and then argue why a particular personality theory provides the best explanation of your personality today.
***Getting Started: Before you can make an argument, you must first have a clear point of view, proposition, thesis, or statement that you are going to make a case for. A good starting point is to use your text to find out what is controversial about particular theories. Then, you can use the NU library to locate supportive information.
***Length: 4-7 double-spaced pages of text. Add: Title Page, Abstract, and References; submit: 7-10 pages. Paper is to be written in APA Style.
***References: Include a reference to our textbook and at least four (4) additional peer-reviewed journal articles.
***Examples – Here are some ideas for non-psychodynamic theorists, but you are by no means limited to these topics. Please choose the ideas from each of the theorists which are most applicable to your experience.
Allport – goals and mature motives or development of the proprium, functional autonomy
Murray – what needs and presses drive your personality? Use of TAT
Bandura – observational learning, modeling, and reciprocal causation, self-efficacy, self-regulation
Cattell, Big 5 – Biological constitution – inborn temperament or traits
Kelly – discussion of this persons role constructs and REP test
Rogers – conditions of worth, positive regard, authenticity
Maslow – basic needs and meta needs, Jonah Complex
Seligman – positive psychology and personal choice
This is the book
Engler, B. (2014). Personality theories: An introduction (9th edition)
If you have any questions feel free to contact me, thank you.
