Wk7 Phenomenological Approach Flashcards
What did early phenomenology give birth to?
It gave birth to existential, humanistic, and positive psychology.
What do existential and humanist psychologies question?
They question scientific approaches to personality, such as; humans are not objects, experimental and empirical approaches are not suitable, and a unique person does not exist in statistical averages
What is the phenomenological approach?
In order to understand personality, we must understand/experience how people experience the world
Where did existentialism originate and what does it emphasis on?
Origin in philosophy and literature.
Emphasis on existential problems and how people cope with these, and what makes people want to live
What did Victor Frankl argue
Argued that the need for meaning under all conditions (even when suffering) is a fundamental human need. When it is blocked, existential frustration takes over, resulting in ‘noogenic neurosis’, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicide
Describe the three assumptions of Humanistic psychology and who developed them
Maslow and Rogers basically started it, with the assumptions that humans are not passive and dominated by the unconscious, are good and benevolent, and have fundamental drive towards growth and self-realisation
Describe self-actualisation
To preserve and improve one’s own life in order to reach their own potential. It allows humans to feel more fulfilled, authentic, and more self-sufficient.
Describe positive psychology
It is the study of human flourishing and optimal functioning.
Maslow’s baby, it belongs to the Phenomenological tradition and includes both existential and humanistic perspectives, but with greater empiricism emphasis.
What are the three primary factors of happiness in Lyubomirsky’s happiness formula
10% Circumstances
40% Intentional activity
50% Set point
Can culture be studied?
Culture shapes our phenomenal field (subjective experience), but it is a very lose word with over 160 definitions.
There is objective culture (physical aspects) and subjective culture (non-physical aspects).
Although it can’t be defined, it can be studied, especially done through cultural (ethnic) groups.
Describe Emic and Etic approaches to culture
Emic approach: Functions within certain cultures, aiming to identify behaviours relative to that culture (e.g. experiencing cultures).
Etic approach: Looks at behaviour from the outside of a given culture, and attempts to find trends that can be generalised, universal behaviours (e.g. individualism and collectivism).
Describe culture-blind and culture-bound
Culture-blind is theories that apply everywhere as if cultures don’t exist
Culture-bound is that personality psychology is culture bound due to our disregard and conditioning by a specific cultural background
Describe the Phenomenological approach critiques
Emphasises aspects of personality that are underemphasised in other theories
Classically generally is uninterested in scientific method
Cannot be evaluated using Popper’s principles
What are Popper’s principles
For a theory to count as science, it must be able to be proven false.
