PSY 4500-Week 1 - Assignment: Prepare a Lecture on the Historical Study of Psychology

For this task, imagine that you have been asked to give a guest lecture to first year undergraduate students on the topic of the historical study of psychology. Draw on what Simonton (2002) referred to as issues that plagued the understanding of history. As you recall from the assigned article, he identified these critical issues as; genius versus zeitgeist as casual agents, internal versus external influences, persistent versus historicist narratives, idiographic versus nomothetic interpretations, quality versus quantity in phenomena, and deterministic versus stochastic descriptions.

For your lecture, explain your understanding of the historical study of science, and of psychology in general. Be sure to address the following points:

• Why study the history of psychology at all?

• Name the six issues identified by Simonton that are important to the understanding of history. Explain each one clearly and succinctly, using one sentence, or even a few words that make these concepts understandable

• Choose two of these three issues: genius versus zeitgeist as causal agents, quality versus quantity in phenomena, and idiographic versus nomothetic interpretations, Explain the two issues you chose in more depth. For each of these issues explain the meaning of the terms, the impact on the study of psychology each has. Include examples of individuals, concepts, or ideas, to enhance your presentation.

Length: 3-5 pages

Your lecture should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect graduate-level writing and APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.

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