Over the years, psychology studies have developed significantly; becoming a factor that has made it possible for this field of study to expand. This aspect has led to the development of several psychological theories that are essential in explaining much human behavior. Understanding these arguments is thus crucial. Despite the existence of various methods, this study will focus on one of the most critical developmental theories, namely: Erikson’s theory of psychological development.
Erikson’s Theory of Psychological Development Discussion
Erikson’s theory of psychological development was developed by Erik Erikson’s, and its central purpose was to explain and emphasize on the social-cultural determinants of the existence of various human personalities and traits. The author presented these determinants in eight stages emphasizing that every human being has to pass eight steps to attain efficient psychological development (Schultz and Sydney). However, many debates have risen on why Erikson’s evolution is a theory and not a hypothesis, model, or law. A presentation is often referred to as a theory if it presents a concept that can be tested and still is open for more research (Kenneth and Bruce). Erikson’s approach has proved to fulfill the above mentioned requirements of a theory since its ideas are based on human development and human beings can be involved in testing the arguments presented by Erikson.
Analyzing the type of explanation provided by a theory is also an essential aspect that scholars are required to present. In this instance, Erikson’s theory of human development offers a mechanistic explanation since its concepts are based on an evolutionary aspect involving human social sciences that also focus on emotional realities of human beings. Furthermore, Erikson applied both qualitative and quantitative analysis in developing this theory. In the development process, he used quantitative analysis since he believed the stages of development revolved around physical maturation and an individual has to pass through the stages systematically. In individual personalities and roles, Erikson applied qualitative analysis since all the scenes are dependent on one another.
Moreover, theories are often categorized according to their operational description level. In this instance, Erikson’s theory of development is based on the standard of fundamental description since it evidently explains the relationships between various stages of development focusing on developing more research and events in the field of psychology (Malone). Additionally, this theory intently describes the relationship between the stages of development with concrete concepts that can be tested further supporting its fundamental descriptive nature. Due to its explanatory structural view, Erikson’s theory has a vast domain including being used in studying human needs, the dependence of various stages of development in the growth of an individual and the factors that contribute to psychological and emotional stability in human beings.
The Relationship between Theory and Research
For one to develop a good theory, research is crucial. Therefore, the relationship between research and theory is grounded on data that builds up both of them. Research plays a significant role in collecting facts that are essential in either developing an existing method or a new one, and this cannot be made possible if a theory is not available. Therefore, both research and opinions are interrelated. Besides, depending on the data available and supportive evidence regarding a particular approach, a researcher can be able to interpret its results since the availability of valid data is a primary factor in explaining studies and theories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Erikson’s theory is an excellent example of great importance in the field of psychological studies. The theory is testable; and that is one of essential qualities of a good theory. Various concepts outlined in different stages of this argument are testable further supporting its effectiveness. Additionally, the method meets the explanatory relevance criterion which is also a crucial characteristic of a good theory. Therefore, the importance of Erikson’s theory in psychological studies cannot be overlooked.
Work Cited
Kenneth, Bordens and Abbott Bruce. Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach.
9th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Education, 2013.
Malone, Johanna. "Midlife Eriksonian Psychosocial Development: Setting the Stage for Late-Life Cognitive and Emotional Health." Developmental Psychology (2016): 496.
Schultz, Duane and Ellen Sydney. Theories of Personality. Cengage Learning, 2016.
