Study Theorists Mentioned In This Module - Choose At Least

Study The Theorists Mentioned In This Module Choose At Least Three Th

Study the theorists mentioned in this module. Choose at least three thinkers whose ideas will not pass on to the future of psychology, and give at least two reasons explaining why. Now choose two thinkers whose ideas you think will pass on to the future of psychology, and provide at least two reasons explaining why. Be sure to review the academic expectations for your submission.

Paper For Above instruction

Psychology has been shaped by a diverse array of theorists whose ideas have contributed significantly to our understanding of human behavior and mental processes. However, not all theories and ideas have stood the test of time or are destined to influence future generations of psychology. In this paper, I will identify three theorists whose ideas seem unlikely to pass on to the future of psychology, providing reasons for this perspective. Additionally, I will select two thinkers whose ideas are more likely to persist and explain why their contributions will continue to influence the field.

Theorists Unlikely to Pass On to Future of Psychology

The first theorist whose ideas may not persist is Jean Piaget, particularly some of his early cognitive development theories. While Piaget’s work laid the foundation for developmental psychology, some of his concepts, especially those concerning stages of cognitive development, have been criticized for their rigidity and lack of cultural considerations. Contemporary research emphasizes more dynamic models of development that are adaptable across different contexts (Gopnik & Wellman, 2012). Therefore, Piaget’s stage theory might be less relevant in the future due to its limited scope and lack of integration with modern neurological findings.

Secondly, B.F. Skinner's strict behaviorist approach, focusing solely on observable behaviors and reinforcement, is increasingly viewed as overly narrow. Cognitive neuroscience and social psychology have demonstrated the importance of internal mental states, emotions, and social contexts that Skinner’s model does not sufficiently address (Miller, 2003). As the field moves toward integrative models that consider biological, psychological, and social factors holistically, Skinner’s ideas may become less central in future psychology research and practice.

A third figure to consider is Carl Jung, whose theories on archetypes and the collective unconscious have influenced psychotherapy. However, many of Jung’s ideas lack empirical support and are difficult to test scientifically (Kvale & Brinkmann, 2009). The scientific nature of psychology relies heavily on empirical validation, and Jung’s concepts often do not meet this criterion. As psychology continues to trend toward evidence-based practices, Jung’s theories may fade in prominence.

Theorists Likely to Persist in Future Psychology

In contrast, Carl Rogers’ humanistic approach emphasizes the importance of individual experience, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship, concepts that remain fundamental in clinical psychology. Rogers’ emphasis on person-centered therapy aligns with current trends that prioritize client autonomy and subjective experience (Kirschenbaum & Jourdan, 2005). Because of its practical efficacy and relevance to contemporary therapeutic practices, Rogers’ ideas are likely to continue influencing psychology.

Another influential figure is Albert Bandura, particularly his social cognitive theory and the concept of observational learning. Bandura’s work has provided valuable insights into how behavior is acquired and maintained within social contexts. His emphasis on self-efficacy and modeling has been incorporated into diverse applications, from education to therapy. The empirical support for Bandura’s theories and their relevance to understanding complex social behaviors suggest that his ideas will endure in future psychology (Bandura, 1986).

Conclusion

While some theories from pioneers like Piaget, Skinner, and Jung face increasing scrutiny or lack empirical support, others such as Carl Rogers’ humanism and Albert Bandura’s social cognition remain vital. Future psychology will likely continue evolving along the lines of empirical validation, multidisciplinary integration, and practical application. The selected enduring theories exemplify movements toward these principles, ensuring their lasting influence on the discipline.

References

• Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.
• Gopnik, A., & Wellman, H. M. (2012). Reconstructing constructivism: Causal models, Bayesian learning mechanisms, and the theory-theory. Mind & Language, 27(4), 629-659.
• Kirschenbaum, H., & Jourdan, A. (2005). The therapeutic relationship in humanistic psychotherapy. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 45(2), 331-357.
• Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. Sage Publications.
• Miller, G. A. (2003). The cognitive revolution: A historical perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(3), 141-144.