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Chapter 11: Problem 30

Compare and contrast Skinner's perspective on personality development to Freud's.

Short Answer

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Both Skinner and Freud believe that external factors play key roles in personality development. However, Skinner focuses on environmental influences and observable behavior, learning through reinforcement and punishment, whereas Freud focuses on unconscious desires, early childhood experiences, and internal conflict between the id, ego, and superego. Skinner views humans as capable of change through learning, while Freud suggests that change is difficult due to deeply rooted childhood experiences.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Skinner's perspective

B.F. Skinner, a behaviorist, believes that personality development is a result of environmental influences. He argues that individuals learn behavior through reinforcement and punishment –a concept known as operant conditioning. Skinner's perspective focuses on observable behavior and disregards any underlying emotions or thoughts.
02

Understanding Freud's perspective

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, has a different perspective. He believes that personality development occurs in stages and is largely influenced by unconscious sexual desires, innate drives, and experiences during early childhood. Freud's model of personality consists of three parts; the id, ego, and superego.
03

Comparing Skinner's and Freud's perspectives

Both Skinner and Freud believe that external factors play a significant role in personality development. However, while Skinner emphasizes the role of the environment and behavior, Freud believes that unconscious desires and early childhood experiences are pivotal.
04

Contrasting Skinner's and Freud's perspectives

The main difference between Skinner and Freud lies in their view of human nature. Skinner views humans as products of their environment, capable of change through learning. Freud, on the other hand, considers humans to be driven by unconscious desires and conflicts originating from childhood, where change is more difficult to achieve.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How would you describe your personality in an online dating profile?

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