PSYC 210CHAPTER 2 NOTESImportance of TheoriesAs you begin your study of developmental theories, it is imperative to consider why they are important to us. Action Note: In your personal notes, list in your own words the three purposes for theories givenin your assigned reading.Good theories are going to logically help us:1. Fit parts of development together. 2. Formulate explanations for development we observe. 3. Look at new scientific findings, which confirm our knowledge or call us to discard incorrect information. 4. Be more knowledgeable about people we work and live with on a day-to-day basis.Developmental StagesYou will notice that each of the theorists and their approaches have different stages and age groups. This information is important as we go into future chapters, issues, and age groups.Action Note: Make a chart with a column for each theorist: Freud, Erikson, and Piaget. In each column, list the stages and ages for each group. Review the different stages, and place names of individuals you know in the boxes. This is only for your personal reflection. Sigmund Freud Freud was a pioneer in the study of human behavior and is often called the "father of modern psychology." While many in the field of psychology and other disciplines take issue with his theory and approach, there are some major contributions that he made. They include:1. Originator of psychoanalysis 2. Giving a comprehensive theory of personality development 3. Presenting concept of unconscious and levels of consciousness 4. Presenting concept of defense mechanisms 5. Initiating a philosophy about the nature of manFreud's Model of PersonalityFreud believed that personality has three structures: id, ego, and superego. He stated that a person was all id at birth. The id was totally unconscious---not in touch with reality. Id operates on pleasure principle, lacks organization, instinctual, and cannot handle tension. Id is the spoiled brat of the personality....it never matures.Page 1 of 2PSYC 210According to Freud, the ego is connected with the world of reality (reality principle). It governs, controls, and regulates the personality. It mediates between the instincts and environment (superego and id). It is the seat of rational thinking---making plans to meet needs. The superego is the judicial branch of personality. It represents the ideal---goes for perfection, not pleasure. It is the seat of one's moral code. Freud considered personality to be below our level of awareness. Therefore, we use defense mechanisms to cope with life.Freud's View of ReligionIn Dan Blazer's book, Freud vs. God, he states that "Freud's view of religion can be simplified as follows. Most people need and desire religion to cope with their fears of the impersonal power of nature. Therefore, religion takes upon itself the form of universal neurosis and has its origin in the father complex; belief in God is nothing more than a belief in a magnified father. All religious dogmas are illusions that cannot be proved. As scientific knowledge advances, the needof humankind for religious dogma will diminish. Religion will ultimately be replaced by science, as there will no longer be a need for religion." (p.69)Action Note: One of our objectives in this course includes allowing us to reflect on ways that people integrate developmental psychology into their Christian faith and to look at theories from a Christian worldview. In your personal notes, comment on some areas of theories that you deem useful, or truths revealed by the system and how they may be integrated in a Christian worldview.ConclusionAs I have studied the theorists over the years, I have observed how their life experiences have influenced their theories. Secondly, how theorists have built upon each other's theories and founded a new focus. Hopefully you have enjoyed this study. We will see each of these theoristsand theories again as we make our way through the life-span. We will discuss each of them morein the following lessons. You must know theories, theorists, and stages for each age group we study. You will see them on exams.Page 2 of