Distinction between Freud and Skinner's Theories

Very Hard Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, Personality Personality Theories

Psychologists have developed various theories to explain personality, with some emphasizing the role of unconscious motives and childhood experiences, while others focus on observable behavior and the environment's influence. Sigmund Freud proposed that personality is largely shaped by unconscious processes and early life experiences. In contrast, B.F. Skinner argued that personality is a result of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped by rewards and punishments. Consider the fundamental principles of different personality theories. Which of the following statements accurately reflects a primary distinction among these theories?

Freud's theory emphasizes the role of observable behavior while Skinner's theory emphasizes internal motivations.

Skinner's theory focuses on the influence of social learning, while Freud's theory dismisses the role of environment completely.

Freud's theory stresses the importance of childhood experiences and unconscious processes whereas Skinner's theory highlights the significance of reinforcement and punishment.

Both Freud and Skinner maintain that personality development is primarily biological.

Skinner's theory is widely supported by modern research, while Freud's ideas are considered obsolete in contemporary psychology.

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