The final project for this course is focused on one specific personality theory (or set of theories) for which you will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, provide a nuanced, critical analysis of the subject matter, and illustrate the theory’s relevance in the field today. This will be accomplished by producing a theoretical analysis which will include a detailed descriiption of the theories’ major concepts, the key theorists, and the published research regarding the theory. You will provide a critical analysis of the validity of the theory, its strengths and weaknesses, and the cultural utility of the theory. Finally, you will consider the theory’s contemporary relevance and its place within the larger context of the field of personality psychology by proposing an application of the theory to a contemporary issue or phenomenon and discussing the possible future development of this theory.
The project will be developed over the length of the course as you will submit three outlines for feedback before completing the final publish. The outlines will be due in Modules Three, Five, and Seven. The final product will be submitted in Module Nine.
Refer to the Project Topics document (linked in the project review task in Module One) for a list of approved theories for this project.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
Evaluate the use of personality theories in published research for validity and contemporary relevance
Analyze contemporary theories in personality psychology for their changing roles in the field over time
Defend the use of personality psychology theories by assessing them against alternative theoretical perspectives
Illustrate the applicability of theories in personality psychology to contemporary issues and different cultural perspectives
Formulate conclusions on the contemporary use of theories in personality psychology based on theoretical analysis
Milestones
Milestone One: Background and Basics of Theory
In Module Three, you will submit an outline of the Background and Basics of Theory section of the final project. This will include the historical overview of the theory, information about the key theorist(s) associated with the theory, and an introduction to the key concepts of the theory. Furthermore, the way the theory is used today will also be discussed. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone One Rubric.
Milestone Two: Evaluation and Comparison
In Module Five, you will create an outline of the Evaluation and Comparison section of the final project. This will begin with a position statement. Then evaluate the validity and accuracy of your theory based on both primary and secondary research, discuss the theory’s appropriateness for a range of cultural perspectives in its contemporary use, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Based on the weaknesses you discover, choose two alternative personality theories to discuss and then defend the usefulness of your theory in contemporary settings against the alternative theories. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.
Milestone Three: Application and Conclusion
In Module Seven, you will submit an outline of the Application and Conclusion section of the final project. Utilize current research to support an explanation of the role this theory plays in the larger context of the field of psychology. Apply this theory to a real-world problem, including how the key theorists might understand the problem, how the theory could lend support for solutions to the problem, and how this relates to the role of your theory in the current field. Create a conclusion that considers the future of this theory in the field and how the theory might develop in order to remain relevant in the field. This milestone will be graded with the Milestone Three Rubric.
Final Submission: Theoretical Analysis
In Module Nine, you will submit your final project. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This submission will be graded with the Final Project Rubric.