STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

• Strength- Usefulness in explaining the whole person:

  • Refuses to reduce behaviour into reductionist elements e.g. neurotransmitters of stimulus -> response link 
  • Explains all factors that affect our development- provides valid explanation in a real-world context
• Weakness- Concept lacks testability:

  • Self-actualisation & congruence aren’t tangible concepts
  • Not objectively measurable
  • Decreases the scientific credibility- due to its subjectiveness
• Weakness- opposing theories to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs:

  • Social Learning Theory- argues that most of our behaviour is learnt from experiments through the observation & imitation of others
  • Behaviourist Approach- argues that we learn through either classical or operant conditioning
  • Theories- contrast Maslow’s idea that has hierarchy of needs motivates our behaviour
  • Decreases the validity of the Approach- may be other aspects that influence our behaviour