4-2 Project One Milestone

Overview
As you can see, each theory makes certain assump�ons about the origins of personality. Depending on the theory, the focus
can be on unconscious mo�vators, unmet needs, social forces, acceptance by your parents, biology, or your predominant
tendencies or traits. If you find yourself following only one par�cular theory or approach, you might develop tunnel vision. You
might miss observa�ons, inferences, and conclusions that don’t fit the assump�ons of your chosen theory. That is why it is
important to be aware of more than one theory, while acknowledging how they compare and contrast. Understanding the
differences between theories will allow you to acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. It will also allow you
to think of the person on different levels.
For this assignment, you will compare and contrast two personality theories or approaches from the personality theory list. For
example, humanis�c psychology and psychoanaly�c theory are almost polar opposites so these are easier to contrast, yet there
are some commonali�es, too. The choice of which two personali�es or approaches to compare is up to you. This milestone
prepares you for Project One, due in Module Six.
Personality Theories and Approaches
• Humanis�c psychology
• Psychoanaly�c theory
• Neo‐Freudian/object rela�ons theory
• Trait approach
• Biological perspec�ve
• Mo�va�on
Prompt
To begin your milestone, first select two personality theories from the list provided that you think contrast in meaningful ways.
Next, use your Project One Milestone Template to address the following rubric criteria:
1. Iden�fy which two theories or approaches you will compare and contrast and explain why you chose them. Your
response should be about 2 to 4 sentences.
2. Describe how your two chosen theories differ by selec�ng 3 topics from A through G below. Your response for each
topic should be about 3 to 5 sentences.
A. Scien�fic nature
▪ Do the theories you selected differ on their scien�fic nature? Is one theory more scien�fic? Consider the
techniques used to collect informa�on and devise theories.
▪ Jus�fy your response.
B. Nature versus nurture
▪ Do the theories you selected differ on the roles of nature versus nurture? Does one theory favor one
role to a greater degree than the other? Or is one more neutral in regard to the role of nature and
nurture?
▪ Jus�fy your response.
C. Origin of problems
▪ Do the theories you selected differ in their determina�on of the origin of mental health or adjustment
issues?
▪ Jus�fy your response.
D. Pathology
▪ Do the theories you selected differ in the emphasis on the pathology of problems versus focusing on
thriving and finding meaning in life? Or is one theory more neutral on the role of pathology versus
thriving?
▪ Jus�fy your response.
E. Free will
▪ Do the theories you selected differ on the role of free will? Does one theory do a be�er job of conveying

G. Internal versus external s�muli
▪ Do the theories you selected favor the role of internal or external s�muli more? Do they define behavior
as more ac�ve or reac�ve?
▪ Jus�fy your response.
3. Describe at least one similarity between your two selected theories. Your response should be about 3 to 5 sentences.