TASK 3

HORMIC PSYCHOLOGY – Sometimes referred to as Instinct psychology, as exemplified by

the work of William McDougall a British-American psychologist who lived from 1871 to 1938,
emphasizes the role of instincts in shaping human behavior. Instincts are considered innate, unlearned
tendencies that guide individuals toward specific behaviors. McDougall's instinct theory was influential in
the early 20th century, although it fell out of favor with the rise of behaviorism.
Key points of hormic psychology include:
Innate Tendencies. Instinct psychology posits that certain behaviors are not learned
through experience but are instead inherited and present from birth. These behaviors are driven
by instincts.
Variety of Instincts. McDougall identified a wide range of instincts, including self-
preservation, curiosity, parental instinct, and gregariousness, among others. Each instinct was
believed to influence different aspects of human behavior.
Psychic Energy. McDougall introduced the concept of "psychic energy," suggesting that
instincts generate a kind of psychological energy that motivates behavior. This energy builds up
and must be discharged through appropriate behaviors.
Critique of Behaviorism. McDougall was critical of behaviorism, a dominant
psychological theory at the time. He argued against the behaviorist idea that all behavior could be
explained through stimulus-response associations, emphasizing the role of internal factors like
instincts and emotions.
It's essential to note that instinct psychology faced criticism and eventually declined in influence,
particularly with the ascent of behaviorism in the mid-20th century. Behaviorism focused on observable
behaviors and stimuli-response associations, largely disregarding internal mental processes and instincts.
Despite this decline, the study of innate tendencies and evolutionary psychology has seen a resurgence in
more recent psychological research.

HORMIC PSYCHOLOGY AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO AN EDUCATIONAL SETTING

In an educational setting, the concept of hormic psychology, which emphasizes innate tendencies
and behaviors, can be related to understanding and addressing certain aspects of student behavior,
learning, and motivation. Here are some ways in which instinct psychology could be considered in an
educational context:
Understanding Motivation
Instinct psychology suggests that individuals are driven by innate tendencies or instincts.
In education, recognizing and understanding the diverse motivations of students can be crucial.
Some students may be naturally curious, while others may exhibit a strong social instinct.
Teachers can tap into these instincts to enhance engagement and motivation in the learning
process.
Individual Differences
Just as instincts can vary among individuals, so too can learning preferences and styles.
Acknowledging and accommodating these individual differences in the classroom can lead to
more effective teaching strategies. For example, some students may have a strong instinct for
exploration, benefiting from hands-on or project-based learning approaches.
 Social Learning
Instincts related to social behaviors, such as gregarious instinct, highlight the importance
of social interactions in the learning environment. Group activities, collaborative projects, and
opportunities for social engagement can align with these instincts, fostering a positive and
supportive learning community.
Intrinsic Motivation
Instinct psychology aligns with the idea of intrinsic motivation, where individuals are
driven by internal factors rather than external rewards. Recognizing and encouraging students'
intrinsic motivation can contribute to a more enduring and meaningful approach to learning.
Emphasizing Holistic Development
Instinct psychology suggests that individuals are motivated by a variety of innate
tendencies, including those related to self-preservation, curiosity, and more. Educators can take a
holistic approach to student development, considering not only academic achievement but also
fostering a well-rounded and balanced growth that addresses various aspects of students' instincts
and innate drives.
Curiosity and Inquiry-Based Learning
Instinct: Curiosity
Example: Teachers can harness students' natural curiosity by incorporating inquiry-based
learning activities. Encouraging students to ask questions, explore topics of interest, and conduct
investigations taps into their innate drive for curiosity, making the learning process more
engaging and meaningful.
Social Instinct and Collaborative Projects
Instinct: Socialization, gregariousness
Example: Group projects and collaborative activities in the classroom align with the social
instincts of students. Working together on projects allows them to interact, share ideas, and learn
from one another. This not only supports their social development but also enhances the learning
experience through peer interaction.
Self-Expression and the Arts
Instinct: Self-expression
Example: Recognizing and nurturing students' need for self-expression, educators can
incorporate art, music, drama, or creative writing into the curriculum. These activities provide
outlets for students to express themselves and develop their creative instincts, contributing to
their overall well-being and engagement in the learning process.
Exploration and Hands-On Learning
Instinct: Exploration
Example: Offering hands-on learning experiences, such as science experiments, field trips,
or interactive simulations, caters to students' instinct for exploration. These activities allow
students to engage with the material in a tangible way, fostering a deeper understanding and
appreciation for the subject matter.
Intrinsic Motivation and Personalized Learning
Instinct: Intrinsic motivation
 Example: Providing opportunities for personalized learning paths allows students to
pursue topics of interest. Allowing them to choose projects, research topics, or study areas aligns
with their intrinsic motivation, making the learning experience more self-directed and personally
meaningful.
Physical Activity and Kinesthetic Learning
Instinct: Physical activity
Example: Incorporating movement and kinesthetic learning activities into the classroom
accommodates the instinct for physical activity. This can include brain breaks, interactive games,
or even incorporating movement into lessons, enhancing student engagement and attentiveness.
While instinct psychology itself is not a dominant framework in contemporary educational
psychology, incorporating an understanding of innate tendencies and motivations can complement other
theories and strategies to create a more comprehensive and student-centered approach to education. These
examples illustrate how understanding and incorporating instincts into educational practices can create a
more student-centered and effective learning environment. By aligning teaching strategies with innate
tendencies, educators can enhance motivation, engagement, and overall learning outcomes.

PSYCHOANALYSIS
Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and therapeutic method developed by Sigmund Freud in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It encompasses a set of psychological theories and therapeutic
techniques aimed at exploring and understanding the unconscious mind and its impact on human
behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Here are key elements of psychoanalysis:
Unconscious Mind
Psychoanalysis posits that a significant part of human mental activity occurs at an unconscious
level. Freud proposed that unconscious thoughts, memories, and desires influence conscious behavior and
emotions.
Structure of the Mind
Freud divided the mind into three parts: the conscious mind (aware thoughts and perceptions), the
preconscious mind (memories and thoughts that can be easily brought into consciousness), and the
unconscious mind (hidden thoughts, desires, and memories).
Psychic Determinism
Freud believed that all thoughts and behaviors, even seemingly random or unintentional ones,
have a psychological cause. This concept is known as psychic determinism, suggesting that nothing in
mental life happens by chance.
Psychosexual Development
Freud proposed that personality development is linked to psychosexual stages. These stages
include oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages, each associated with different challenges and
conflicts that can influence adult personality.
Defense Mechanisms
Freud introduced the concept of defense mechanisms, which are unconscious strategies the mind
uses to cope with anxiety and protect the conscious mind from threatening thoughts or impulses.
Examples include repression, denial, and projection.
Role of Dreams
 Dreams hold a central place in psychoanalysis. Freud argued that dreams are expressions of
unconscious desires and conflicts. Analyzing dreams, known as dream interpretation, is a key tool in
psychoanalytic therapy.
Free Association and Talking Cure
Psychoanalytic therapy involves techniques such as free association, where clients express
thoughts without censorship, and the "talking cure," in which the therapist encourages open dialogue to
explore unconscious conflicts.
Transference and Countertransference
Transference refers to the client's feelings and attitudes transferred onto the therapist, often
reflecting patterns from past relationships. Countertransference is the therapist's emotional reactions to the
client. Both phenomena are explored within the therapeutic relationship.
Long-Term Therapy
Traditional psychoanalysis often involves long-term, intensive therapy, with sessions held
multiple times per week. The goal is to explore deep-seated issues and conflicts over an extended period.

IMPLICATION AND CONTRIBUTION OF PSYCHOANALYSIS IN EDUCATION

While psychoanalysis is primarily known as a therapeutic method, some of its concepts have
implications and contributions to an educational setting. Here are a few examples:

Understanding Unconscious Influences

Example: A student consistently struggles with anxiety during exams. Through a psychoanalytic
lens, educators might consider that unconscious fears or past experiences could be contributing to the
anxiety.
Implication/Contribution: By recognizing the potential influence of the unconscious mind,
educators can approach students with empathy, exploring potential underlying issues that may impact
their academic performance. This understanding may lead to more targeted support or interventions.
Psychic Determinism in Learning
Example: A student exhibits disruptive behavior in class. Instead of dismissing it as mere
misbehavior, a psychoanalytic approach would involve considering the possibility of underlying
psychological causes, such as unresolved conflicts or unmet needs.
Implication/Contribution: Educators can explore the root causes of disruptive behavior,
addressing underlying issues rather than solely focusing on surface-level symptoms. This approach may
contribute to a more holistic understanding of students' behavior and inform effective interventions.

Psychosexual Development and Identity Formation

Example: Adolescents may go through a phase of identity exploration and questioning. A
psychoanalytic perspective would consider the impact of psychosexual development and the resolution of
conflicts during this stage.
Implication/Contribution: Educators can acknowledge and respect the developmental challenges
students face, providing a supportive environment for identity exploration. This understanding may foster
a more compassionate and inclusive educational atmosphere.
 Defense Mechanisms and Coping Strategies
Example: A student consistently avoids participating in class discussions. From a psychoanalytic
standpoint, this behavior might be seen as a defense mechanism to protect against potential
embarrassment or judgment.
Implication/Contribution: Educators can be attuned to defense mechanisms and help students
develop healthier coping strategies. Creating a supportive and non-judgmental classroom environment
encourages students to overcome barriers and engage more actively in their learning.

Role of Dreams in Creativity and Problem-Solving

Example: Students may have creative ideas or innovative solutions that emerge during
daydreaming or moments of reflection.
Implication/Contribution: Acknowledging the role of the unconscious mind in problem-solving
and creativity, educators can incorporate activities that encourage reflection and creative thinking.
Allowing space for imagination and unconventional approaches can enhance the learning experience.
It's important to note that while psychoanalytic concepts can offer valuable insights, the
application of these ideas in education should be done judiciously. Contemporary educational practices
often integrate multiple psychological perspectives, and a balanced approach considers individual needs,
cultural factors, and the broader context of the educational environment.

WHICH OF THE 4 PSYCHOLOGIES DO YOU FREQUENTLY USED AS A TEACHER?

The most used schools of psychology as a teacher were both the Hormic and Psychoanalysis. Both
instinct psychology and psychoanalysis can offer insights into human behavior and learning within an
educational setting, but their applicability may vary depending on the specific context and goals of
education. Here's a comparison to help explain their relevance:

Instinct Psychology in Education

Applicability:
Instinct psychology, with its focus on innate tendencies and motivations, can be particularly relevant in
understanding student engagement, motivation, and learning preferences.
Examples of Applicability:
Designing curriculum and teaching methods that align with students' natural curiosity or exploration
instincts.
Recognizing and accommodating individual differences in learning styles based on various instincts.
Creating a positive and collaborative classroom environment that aligns with social instincts.

Psychoanalysis in Education
Applicability:
Psychoanalysis, with its emphasis on the unconscious mind and psychological development, can be
applied to understand the deeper, often hidden, aspects of student behavior and emotional well-being.
Examples of Applicability:
Exploring and addressing unconscious fears or anxieties that may affect academic performance.
Recognizing the impact of early childhood experiences on students' social interactions and relationships.
Supporting students in understanding and managing defense mechanisms that might hinder their learning
or interpersonal relationships.

Considerations:
Individual Focus: Psychoanalysis tends to have a more individualized focus, delving into unique
experiences and conflicts. It may be beneficial for addressing specific psychological challenges faced by
individual students.
Holistic Approach: Instinct psychology can contribute to a holistic understanding of students as it
considers innate tendencies that influence various aspects of behavior, learning, and social interactions.
Practical Implementation: Instinct psychology often offers more tangible and immediately applicable
strategies for educators, as it aligns with observable behaviors and motivations.
Integrated Approach:
Optimal Approach: Many contemporary educational approaches integrate elements from various
psychological theories. An integrated approach considers both instinct psychology and psychoanalysis,
recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of students involves addressing both observable
behaviors and underlying psychological factors.
In summary, the applicability of instinct psychology or psychoanalysis in education depends on the
specific goals, challenges, and individual needs within the educational setting. An understanding of both
perspectives can offer educators a more comprehensive toolkit for addressing the diverse aspects of
student development, motivation, and learning.