Homework: 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:
1) Why study the history of psychology at all?
2) 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
3) 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.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
(1) The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
(2) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
(3) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.