Evaluate the psychoanalytic theories in terms of their contributions and criticisms.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The contributions of psychoanalytic theories include these ideas:Early experiences play an important part in development. 
Family relationships are a central aspect of development. 
Personality can be better understood if it is examined developmentally. 
Activities of the mind are not entirely conscious-unconscious aspects need to be considered. 
In Erikson's theory, changes take place in adulthood as well as in childhood. 
Criticisms of psychoanalytic theories include the following:The main concepts of psychoanalytic theories are difficult to test scientifically. 
Much of the data used to support psychoanalytic theories come from individuals' reconstruction of the past, often the distant past, and are of unknown accuracy 
The sexual underpinnings of development are given too much importance (especially in Freud's theory), and the unconscious mind is given too much credit for influencing development. 
Psychoanalytic theories (especially in Freud's theory) present an image of humans that is too negative and are culture- and gender-biased.