Psychological theories break the mold by proposing a new framework for understanding the different thought processes of humans. Students pursuing psychology are required to use these concepts to develop a comprehensive research paper. But engaging theories along with concrete evidence is like walking on thin ice. If you don’t have proper knowledge about the concepts and their application, you can be in dire straits.
Thankfully, there are psychology assignment help services that always come to lend a helping hand during times of need. They also help you acquire a good grasp of human thoughts, behaviours, actions, and emotions.
Therefore, many students turn to experts for assistance and choose to buy assignment online from reputable portals like MyAssignmenthelp.com and similar brands. According to psychology students, these services arrive in the nick of time to save them from daunting tasks.
It is wise to trust but verify the reliability of information before relying on them fully. And the best way to do so is to improve your knowledge of psychological theories and their implications. To enhance your proficiency in this subject, this blog sheds light on a different type of psychological theories, their definition, and applications.
So, let’s unveil the meaning of different psychological theories:
Psychological Theories That You Must Know
| TYPE | EXPLANATION | APPLICATION | EXAMPLES |
| Cognitive Theories | Focuses on what humans think.
When they feel motivated or emotional. |
Useful in understanding human behaviour at a workplace or class | Plaget’s cognitive developmental theory. |
| Social-psychology Theories | It helps to understand how an individual’s behaviour can influence other people around. | By applying this theory, students can identify how effectively humans behave while working in a group. | Social comparison theory. |
| Motivational Theories | Focuses on how people prioritise their needs and behave indifferently if their needs and demands are overlooked. | Useful to analyse what people want in their lives and what makes them satisfied. | Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. |
| Behavioural Theories | Help to analyse the relation between human behaviours and specific environments.
Study one’s capability to control one’s emotions. |
Individuals can apply it to gain insights into how different circumstances affect their minds. | Bandura’s 1977 theory of self-efficacy.
Theory of Reasoned-actions |
1. Plaget’s cognitive developmental theory
Plaget explains that every child goes through distinct stages (Sensorimotor stage- birth to 2 years, Preoperational stage= ages 2 to 7, Concrete operational stage- 7 to 11 years, Formal operational stage= 12 and up) from birth to adulthood. And during this course they learn new skills and milestones that help them develop new mindsets about the outer world.
2. Social comparison theory
Social comparison theory suggests that people continuously compare themselves with others. They judge their capabilities and worth based on how they stack up against people around them. Therefore, they often feel demotivated if they find others are more successful than them. Contrastingly, if they feel superior to others, their self-esteem and self-worth increase.
3. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory
Abraham Maslow believed that every human has some inborn desire to be self-actualised. To achieve this, a number of basic needs must be properly addressed. For example, physiological needs (food, water, warmth), safety needs (security), love and belongingness (friendship, family), self-esteem (confidence, achievement), and self-actualisation (self-fulfilment needs).
4. Bandura’s 1977 theory of self-efficacy
The main concept of this theory is individuals act as per the situation. For example, if they achieve praise from others they feel much better about themselves. Contrastingly, if they continuously feel unwanted in a situation, they slowly isolate themselves. They also try to put effort into making a difference and feel more deeply than people who have no self-efficacious beliefs.
5. Theory of Reasoned-actions
The theory of reasoned action has three main pillars: Belief, Attitude. Subjective norms which determine their intentions to perform a behaviour.
- Belief: It usually indicates that someone believes that some of his actions can lead to serious consequences. For example, some people believe that excessive consumption of tobacco can cause gum cancer.
- Attitudes: It can be positive or negative depending on people’s mindset. For example, people who believe that exercise can help to reduce overweight have a positive attitude towards it. But, if someone feels that there is no guarantee that exercise has significant outcomes, they will have a negative attitude.
- Subjective Norms: It focuses on two different norms such as injunctive norms and descriptive norms. Someone who carries injunctive norms is concerned with what people think other people think they should do. For example, a boy steps into the playground because he thinks other people think being a boy, he should play. Contrastingly, people who believe in descriptive norms always worry about what other people want them to do. For example, you face breathing issues while using a surgical musk, but as your parents told you, it is mandatory to use musk, you give it a second thought.
Final Thought
Theories are really important for psychology assignments as they help to present your writing capabilities, considering interdisciplinary awareness. However, for many students, it is a hard nut to crack. Therefore, with the help of psychology assignment help services, you can nourish the learning experience and prepare for a well-rounded academic life.