Module 5: Phenomenological Theories
Learning Objectives
- Assess phenomenological theories as they are applied to personality psychology
- Summarize research from phenomenological theories to explain the development of personality
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of research studies
- Determine a research design to be used in a hypothetical study
Module at a Glance
This is the recommended plan for completing the reading assignments and activities within the module. Additional information can be found in the module Reading and Resources section and in the task list.
- Read Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 in your textbook.
- Write your journal assignment.
- Submit Final Project Milestone Two: Designing a Research Study.
Reading and Resources
Required Resources
Textbook: Personality: Theory and Research , Chapters 5 and 6
Chapter 5 explores the phenomenological approach and the personality theory of Carl Rogers. Chapter 6 covers clinical applications of Rogers’s theory, related theories (Maslow and positive psychology), recent research, and a critical evaluation of Rogers’s work. These readings support this module’s journal.
Textbook: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , Chapter 2
Chapter 2 “Paper Elements and Format” provides information on how to create a method section of research study. This reading supports Final Project Milestone Two.
Additional Support (Optional)
Article: Updating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Is Maslow’s Famous Hierarchy Still Relevant?
This article discusses Maslow’s revised hierarchy of needs and explores its application in other cultures. This resource is optional but supports the content of this module.
Webpage: Purdue OWL Reference Page Information
This webpage from the Purdue Online Writing Lab describes how to properly format references from a variety of sources in proper APA style. This resource is optional but supports this module’s journal and Final Project I Milestone Two, as well as the content of the course as a whole.
MODULE OVERVIEW
In this module you will explore the phenomenological theories of personality, focusing mainly on Carl Rogers’s theory, although you will also learn about some of the related theories of Abraham Maslow and various theories from the positive psychology movement. These theories take a much different view of how personality develops than did the psychodynamic theories. The phenomenological theories take a more optimistic view of the person and their potential. Like the psychodynamic theories, though, these theories also point to environmental influences, such as childhood experiences, to explain personality development.
At this point you have been exposed to the trait perspective, the psychodynamic theories, and now the phenomenological theories, all of which contribute to your knowledge of personality psychology. There is always room for additional knowledge, though, and in this module you will get hands-on experience in proposing your own hypothetical study to contribute to personality psychology.
Instructions
For this journal task, first use the text in Chapters 5 and 6 of your text to guide your reflection on Carl Rogers’s principle of self-concept. Applying this phenomenological concept to yourself, address the following in your journal:
- How much congruence do you think there is between your actual, ideal, and ought selves? How does this affect how you think, feel, and act?
- Briefly summarize your thoughts on Rogers’s major concepts of the self, self-actualization, and unconditional positive regard.
- What research design(s) did Rogers use in his studies?
- Do you think Rogers conducted his research ethically? Why or why not?
Use examples from the textbook readings and your other research to support your thoughts. Refer to the Academic Support module to assist you in your writing and to the Purdue OWL website for proper APA formatting of sources.
For additional details, refer to the Module Five Journal Guidelines and Rubric document.