ASSIGNMENT 1
PYC4808
MEMO FEEDBACK
2021
, Question 1
The correct answer is 3) a, c and d. This implies that modernist thinking is linear, is
discoverable and the observer is seen as objective and separate from that which they
are observing. A recursive approach is linked to postmodernism and is therefore
incorrect
Question 2
The correct answer is 2) Sigmund Freud and BF Skinner. Sigmund Freud is the founder
of psychoanalysis, and BF Skinner is regarded as the founder of Behaviourism – both
of which are linked to an individualistic and modernist perspective. Therefore, the
epistemological premises do not align with systems thinking. Gregory Bateson, Paul
Watzlawick, Jay Haley, and Carl Whitaker are theorists that have contributed to the
systems way of thinking, and to this module. Remember, systems thinking does not
purport that one theory or way of thinking is necessarily better than another, but rather
systems theory is a metaperspective that allows for the incorporation of other ways of
thinking. A both/and approach.
Question 3
The question required you to choose an answer that reflected both an epistemology
and a theory that fit coherently based on the underlying premises. The correct answer
is 2) Social constructionism and Systems Theory. Social Constructionism reflects an
intersubjective and reciprocal epistemology, where reality is co-created. Systems theory
refers to the interactive and reciprocal nature of relationships, intersubjectivity
(especially from a second order cybernetic perspective) . Option 1 reflects two theories,
option 3 reflects a theory and model of Behaviourism that do not align with each other,
and option 4 reflects and epistemological approach (social constructionism) and a
model that again do not align with each other. Option 1), 3) and 4) are therefore
incorrect.
Question 4
The correct option is 1). According to Becvar and Becvar, individual psychology
approaches are described as empirical and linear and observations are done in line
with an objective, observable reality, which aligns with modernism. Options 2, 3, and 4
are incorrect because individual approaches are not aligned with reciprocity, circular
causality, and interactive thinking
PYC4808
MEMO FEEDBACK
2021
, Question 1
The correct answer is 3) a, c and d. This implies that modernist thinking is linear, is
discoverable and the observer is seen as objective and separate from that which they
are observing. A recursive approach is linked to postmodernism and is therefore
incorrect
Question 2
The correct answer is 2) Sigmund Freud and BF Skinner. Sigmund Freud is the founder
of psychoanalysis, and BF Skinner is regarded as the founder of Behaviourism – both
of which are linked to an individualistic and modernist perspective. Therefore, the
epistemological premises do not align with systems thinking. Gregory Bateson, Paul
Watzlawick, Jay Haley, and Carl Whitaker are theorists that have contributed to the
systems way of thinking, and to this module. Remember, systems thinking does not
purport that one theory or way of thinking is necessarily better than another, but rather
systems theory is a metaperspective that allows for the incorporation of other ways of
thinking. A both/and approach.
Question 3
The question required you to choose an answer that reflected both an epistemology
and a theory that fit coherently based on the underlying premises. The correct answer
is 2) Social constructionism and Systems Theory. Social Constructionism reflects an
intersubjective and reciprocal epistemology, where reality is co-created. Systems theory
refers to the interactive and reciprocal nature of relationships, intersubjectivity
(especially from a second order cybernetic perspective) . Option 1 reflects two theories,
option 3 reflects a theory and model of Behaviourism that do not align with each other,
and option 4 reflects and epistemological approach (social constructionism) and a
model that again do not align with each other. Option 1), 3) and 4) are therefore
incorrect.
Question 4
The correct option is 1). According to Becvar and Becvar, individual psychology
approaches are described as empirical and linear and observations are done in line
with an objective, observable reality, which aligns with modernism. Options 2, 3, and 4
are incorrect because individual approaches are not aligned with reciprocity, circular
causality, and interactive thinking
