Chapter 1: Problem 10

Describe the fundamentals of the humanistic perspective.

Short Answer

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The humanistic perspective in psychology focuses on the whole individual and emphasizes the idea of free will, personal growth, and the inherent goodness of human beings. Major figures include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow who promoted ideas such as unconditional positive regard and self-actualization. While it is a valuable perspective, it has faced criticism due to lack of empirical evidence and its heavy focus on individualism.

Step by step solution

Definition of Humanistic Perspective

Firstly, define the humanistic perspective. This is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of the whole person. It also looks at the behavior not only through the eyes of the observer, but through the eyes of the person doing the behaving.

Key Figures

In the second step, mention key figures associated with the humanistic perspective. Some significant contributors include Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, both of whom believed that humans have free will and are not simply the product of their environment or genetics.

Core Principles

Next, outline the core principles of the humanistic perspective. These include concepts such as self-actualization (the drive to fulfill one's potential), the hierarchy of needs (a theory proposed by Maslow that outlines the different levels of needs humans must meet), and unconditional positive regard (a concept proposed by Rogers that suggests accepting and respecting others as they are without judgement or evaluation).

Principal Ideas

In the fourth step, delve into the principal ideas of the humanistic perspective. This includes an emphasis on individual potential and intrinsic worth, the belief in an internal locus of control, and the idea that humans are driven by growth and improvement.

Criticism and Limitations

Lastly, discuss the criticism and some limitations of the humanistic perspective. This includes a lack of empirical evidence, a focus on the individual that can overlook societal and cultural impacts on behavior, and the fact that it may not be able to explain all types of behaviors.

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Describe the fundamentals of the humanistic perspective.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Humanistic Perspective

Key Figures

Core Principles

Principal Ideas

Criticism and Limitations

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