Topic 1 DQ 1
Messias (2014) outlined five epochs in the history of psychology. Consider the progression of these epochs and the factors that marked the end of one epoch and the beginning of the next. Which epoch do you believe to be the most significantly different from the one immediately prior? Why? How does this difference advance the field of psychology? Explain.
Unit 1 DQ 2
Derrida, Brault, and Naas (1994) asserted a philosophy of psychoanalysis that claims “madness” is not necessarily a disease, but a cognitive process lacking reason. Do you agree? Why or why not? Does the philosophy of Derrida, Brault, and Naas affirm or refute Freudian principles? Explain.
Unit 2 DQ 1
Freud started his theoretical postulations by studying patients with hysterical or conversion reactions. This led to his realization that his patients had conscious and unconscious aspects of memory. Why was this realization significant? How did this influence the development of the field of psychology? Explain.
Unit 2 DQ 2
What is the relationship between Freud’s notion of a “secondary system” and his abandonment of the “seduction hypothesis?” Do you believe his abandonment of the “seduction hypothesis” was the right choice for future of psychology? Why or why not?
Unit 3 DQ 1
What do you believe to be optimal stimulation and optimal frustration during Freudian psychosexual stages? Support your view.
Unit 3 DQ 2
Is the topographical model a better model than Freud’s structural model? Why or why not?
Unit 4 DQ 1
Klein found different children have alternative psychosexual periods to that of Freud. Why was this significant in the rise of Neo-Freudian theory? Support your view.
Unit 4 DQ 2
Klein found different children have alternative psychosexual periods to those proposed by Freud such as girls in their oral stage who may turn to their fathers. Do you agree with Klein’s assertions? Why or why not?
Unit 5 DQ 1
Winnicott described “early processes” including integration, personalization, and realization. Which of these do you believe to be the most significant? Why?
Unit 5 DQ 2
Watts and Erguner-Tekinalp (2017) discussed how several Neo-Freudian approaches have been influenced by Alfred Adler’s theory. Does this rise of positive psychology signal the beginning of the decline of psychoanalytic theory? Why or why not?
Unit 6 DQ 1
In Chapter 13 of the textbook on page 482, Heinz Kohut (the Father of Self Psychology) is credited with expressing the notion of a “joyful creative activity” as important for analytic success. Given Kohut’s ideas, what do you believe are the best ways to achieve this state? Support your position with relevant literature and specific “real world” examples. (Be sure not to present information that might specifically identify any individual.)
Unit 6 DQ 2
Kirsch and Mertens (2018) found, through their neuroscientific research, biological correlates to Freudian drive states. Why do you believe these findings are significant in the evolution of psychoanalytic theory? Explain.
Unit 7 DQ 1
Review the De Carli et. al. (2018) study regarding psychoanalysis and empirical research. What were the findings? Do you agree with the findings? Why or why not?
Unit 7 DQ 2
Consider the information in Chapter 18 of the Ellman text. What points do you believe are the most useful for conducting dissertation research? Why?
Unit 8 DQ 1
Bruno, Dell’Aversana, and Guidetti (2018) discussed how they used gaming theory and psychoanalytic approaches to better understand how to teach conflict management within an organization. Does this alter your view (positively or negatively) of Neo-Freudian and psychodynamic theory? Why or why not?
Unit 8 DQ 2
Consider the four major areas of psychoanalytic theory addressed in this course. Which of these, if any, do you believe will be of help to you as you consider the theoretical foundation and other aspects of your dissertation? Why?
