IOP2606
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 9 MAY 2026
,IOP2606 ASSIGNMENT 01 (SEMESTER 2, 2026)
DUE AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
There are various theoretical approaches to individual differences and
personality. Discuss the following theoretical approaches and provide practical
examples:
a) Psychoanalytical Theories
Psychoanalytical theories were started by Sigmund Freud. These theories say that our
personality is shaped by things that happen in our early childhood. Many of our
behaviours come from hidden forces in our unconscious mind. This means we often do
not know the real reasons why we act in certain ways (Lesson 1, section 1.5.1).
Main Ideas
This theory has three main parts to our personality:
The id - this works on the pleasure principle. It wants immediate satisfaction of our
basic needs and desires.
The ego - this works on the reality principle. It tries to balance what the id wants with
what is acceptable in the real world.
The superego - this represents our moral standards. It is like our conscience that
tells us right from wrong.
The unconscious mind holds memories, desires, and feelings that we are not aware of
but still affect our behaviour. People also use defence mechanisms to protect
, themselves from anxiety. These include repression (pushing thoughts out of awareness)
and projection (blaming others for our own feelings).
In the workplace, this theory helps explain why different employees react differently to
the same situations. For example, an employee who had a very strict parent might react
badly to criticism from a manager because it reminds them of their childhood. They
might become defensive or angry without really understanding why (Lesson 1, section
1.5.1).
Practical Example
Think about an employee who always avoids leadership positions. Psychoanalytical
theory might say this comes from unconscious fears about authority. Maybe as a child,
they were punished for being assertive. Now, even though they are capable, they avoid
being in charge without knowing why. Counselling or coaching could help them
understand these hidden fears and improve their work performance.
b) Behaviouristic or Learning Theories
Behaviouristic or learning theories were developed by psychologists like B.F. Skinner
and Albert Bandura. These theories say our personality is learned through our
experiences and interactions with the environment. We behave in certain ways because
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 9 MAY 2026
,IOP2606 ASSIGNMENT 01 (SEMESTER 2, 2026)
DUE AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
There are various theoretical approaches to individual differences and
personality. Discuss the following theoretical approaches and provide practical
examples:
a) Psychoanalytical Theories
Psychoanalytical theories were started by Sigmund Freud. These theories say that our
personality is shaped by things that happen in our early childhood. Many of our
behaviours come from hidden forces in our unconscious mind. This means we often do
not know the real reasons why we act in certain ways (Lesson 1, section 1.5.1).
Main Ideas
This theory has three main parts to our personality:
The id - this works on the pleasure principle. It wants immediate satisfaction of our
basic needs and desires.
The ego - this works on the reality principle. It tries to balance what the id wants with
what is acceptable in the real world.
The superego - this represents our moral standards. It is like our conscience that
tells us right from wrong.
The unconscious mind holds memories, desires, and feelings that we are not aware of
but still affect our behaviour. People also use defence mechanisms to protect
, themselves from anxiety. These include repression (pushing thoughts out of awareness)
and projection (blaming others for our own feelings).
In the workplace, this theory helps explain why different employees react differently to
the same situations. For example, an employee who had a very strict parent might react
badly to criticism from a manager because it reminds them of their childhood. They
might become defensive or angry without really understanding why (Lesson 1, section
1.5.1).
Practical Example
Think about an employee who always avoids leadership positions. Psychoanalytical
theory might say this comes from unconscious fears about authority. Maybe as a child,
they were punished for being assertive. Now, even though they are capable, they avoid
being in charge without knowing why. Counselling or coaching could help them
understand these hidden fears and improve their work performance.
b) Behaviouristic or Learning Theories
Behaviouristic or learning theories were developed by psychologists like B.F. Skinner
and Albert Bandura. These theories say our personality is learned through our
experiences and interactions with the environment. We behave in certain ways because
