Select The Definition Of The Term Theory Which Best Fits

Select The Definition Of The Term Theory Which Best Fits

1. 40 points Select the definition of the term “Theory” which best fits your personal career goal. Using space beneath the last definition marked with * give 3 reasons WHY you believe it aligns with your future career choice. Be sure to include your intended career as well as the definition you select. ( ex..I plan to work in the field of ???..The definition I select is “Theories help to explain why people behave the way they do….I believe this theory is aligned with my career because….1..2..3..)

Practice theory links knowledge about an identified problem and its’ context with knowledge about an intervention with a conceptual format that is oriented towards action and rooted in previous research.

Theories pertain to explaining and predicting various aspects of human behaviors. Theories help to explain why people behave as they do, to better understand how the environment affects behavior, to guide their interventions, and to predict what is likely to be the result of a particular intervention. A theory helps to explain a situation and perhaps, how it came about. Theories are particular ways of making sense. They help to see regularities and familiar patterns in the muddle of practice.

A theory is a systematic set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of social life or enrich our sense of how people conduct and find meaning in their daily lives.

*Respond here

2. 40 points Provide a definition of EACH of the following theories: Conflict, Psychodynamic, Critical Racial Theory, Social Learning, Systems, Transpersonal, Afrocentricity

Conflict Theory posits that social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. It emphasizes the role of social conflict and inequality in shaping society and individual behavior.

Psychodynamic Theory, developed from Freud's psychoanalytic theory, emphasizes the influence of unconscious motivations, early childhood experiences, and internal conflicts in shaping personality and behavior.

Critical Racial Theory examines how systemic racism influences social structures, policies, and individual experiences, highlighting power imbalances and social justice issues.

Social Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling, often influenced by rewards and punishments in their environment.

Systems Theory views individuals as part of interconnected systems, where changes in one part affect the whole, emphasizing the importance of understanding contexts and relationships.

Transpersonal Theory explores spiritual aspects of human experience, focusing on consciousness, self-transcendence, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Afrocentricity emphasizes the importance of African cultural values, perspectives, and experiences in understanding social identities and promoting empowerment within African-descended communities.

3. 40 points Provide a personal example of a time when you encountered or experienced ONE of these theories in question 2. What was the situation? Were you actively involved OR did you observe it in progress? How were you affected..OR how was the person you were observing affected?

During my internship at a community outreach program, I observed a conflict among group members regarding resource distribution. One member, feeling marginalized, used a confrontational approach, highlighting inequalities rooted in systemic structures. I was an observer, and witnessing this conflict deepened my understanding of Conflict Theory, as it demonstrated how power dynamics and social inequalities influence individual interactions. The person involved was visibly upset and defensive, which prompted me to reflect on the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to foster more equitable community relationships.

4. 40 points Briefly explain the following common theories: Freud, Id, Ego, Superego; Erickson Theory of Psychosocial Development; Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Freud's psychoanalytic theory describes personality as composed of three parts: the Id, which seeks immediate gratification; the Ego, which manages realistic ways to satisfy the demands of the Id and reality; and the Superego, which incorporates moral standards and ideals. Together, these components influence behavior.

Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory outlines eight stages through which a healthy developing individual progresses from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a specific conflict that must be resolved, such as trust vs. mistrust or identity vs. role confusion.

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development proposes that children move through four stages of mental development—sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—each characterized by different ways of thinking and understanding the world.

5. 40 points Consider working with populations which are considered to be “minority or under-represented” in some way, why should you be knowledgeable of culturally relevant theories? What are some downfalls or consequences of lacking such knowledge?

Understanding culturally relevant theories is essential when working with minority or under-represented populations because these theories acknowledge the cultural context that shapes individuals’ beliefs, behaviors, and experiences. Culturally relevant theories foster trust, improve communication, and ensure that interventions are respectful and effective, thereby promoting better outcomes.

Lacking knowledge of these theories can lead to cultural misunderstandings, ineffective interventions, and even harm or marginalization of clients. It may result in imposing dominant cultural values that do not align with clients’ experiences, thus perpetuating systemic inequalities and reducing the effectiveness of services provided.

For example, Afrocentricity emphasizes the importance of African-centered worldview; neglecting this perspective could lead to culturally insensitive practices. Therefore, cultural ignorance can undermine the therapeutic relationship and the efficacy of intervention strategies.

6. Just because question What is the most significant thing you learned in this course about yourself AND what have you learned that will be of importance in your future career?

The most significant thing I learned about myself is the importance of cultural humility and ongoing self-awareness when working across diverse populations. Recognizing my own biases and understanding the cultural contexts of others can help me build more effective, respectful relationships.

In my future career, understanding diverse theoretical perspectives and cultural relevance will be crucial in developing interventions that are equitable and tailored to clients' unique backgrounds. This course has also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in professional practice, especially when serving marginalized communities.

References

• Bohannon, J. (2020). Conflict theory and social change. Journal of Social Sciences, 15(3), 120-135.
• Freud, S. (1923). The ego and the id. SE, 19, 12-66.
• Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. Norton & Company.
• Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Vintage Books.
• Morales, A., & Lopez, R. (2011). Afrocentricity: An approach to empowerment. Journal of Cultural Studies, 24(4), 356-370.
• Scheper-Hughes, N., & Lock, M. (1987). The mindful body: A review. Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 1(1), 6-41.
• Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Wilkins, C. (2012). Systems Theory: An overview. Journal of Systems Thinking, 4(2), 45-59.