Psychology Studies: Applications and Criticisms

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
First case
Second case
Third case: The inconsistent case
Conclusion
Reference

Abstract

This paper researches into the circumstances surrounding my field setting as a psychologist. It begins by providing an introduction that captures the field setting and the Maslow’s theory of needs used to evaluate three different cases.

Introduction

My fieldwork setting involves close working relationship with students, elderly and low-income individuals in building a strong English foundation. Asian immigrants and refugees who are mostly above the age of 30 comprise most of my students. The fieldwork experience has also been boosted by the referral and counselling services offered by the ACRS organization. My background as a Chinese student has enabled me to understand the needs of these students quite well. Besides, I have studied in the United States for more than five years. As a result, I understand both the Asian and American cultures.

The psychological knowledge I have acquired has enabled me to gain the much-needed experience in handling this group of students. For instance, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs fits the experience in my field as it assists in appreciating the reason why the Asian American adults feel motivated to learn English and earn a better livelihood in the United States. The theory states that people only act from a motivation that pushes them to seek fulfillment of certain needs (Kaur, 2013). This reflection paper explores fieldwork experience with my students alongside testing the credibility of Maslow’s theory of needs by offering evidence from three separate cases.

First case

During my interactions with two students from Vietnam and Philippine, I realized that even although they were not exceptional learners in class, they often walked together trying to read their books aloud. When I approached them separately, I learned that their motivation never emanated from the desire to acquire knowledge. They informed me that they wanted to pass the test and possibly evade from the state of insecurity back home. This confirmed the assertion of the theory that physiological needs motivate people if they are unfulfilled (Kaur, 2013). It also confirmed an argument from the theory that the need for safety and love may compel individuals to remain united (Kaur, 2013).

Second case

In the same setting, I also noted that one woman from China preferred to sit alone in class. She rarely talked with other students even while outside class environment. After approaching her twice in order to establish of her silence, she could not talk to me at all. When I finally brought her some gift, she wrote me a small note in a piece of paper and rushed away sobbing. I later understood that the woman had gone through a traumatic rape ordeal sometimes back. According to Maslow’s theory, a person’s need for self-esteem should always come first. Unless the latter is attained, the affected individuals may not feel secure or socialize. The woman lacked self-esteem (Kaur, 2013).

Third case: The inconsistent case

The need for safety may not always precede the social needs or desires as put forward by Maslow’s theory (Kaur, 2013). In the course of interacting with my students, I came across a man in his early thirties who was always jovial when interacting with other students. I went further to establish why he was always happy. Surprisingly, the man narrated to me a raping ordeal that he went through for almost ten years.

Even though the rape experience involved a fellow man, he never felt unsafe to socialize with then on a daily basis. First, such evidence indicates that the application of Maslow’s theory depends on the strength and will of an individual. Second, deviation from Maslow’s theory may be possible if the interviewed individuals fake their real experiences, feelings or inner desires.

Conclusion

The paper began with a brief description of my field setting and description of Maslow’s theory of needs. In order to test the credibility of the theory, three interactive cases have been explored. From the discussions, it is evident that Maslow’s theory has its limitations when it comes to real life application. The later weakness of the theory was observed in the third case.

Reference

Kaur, A. (2013). Maslow’s need hierarchy theory: Applications and criticisms. Global Journal of Management and Psychology Studies., 3(10), 1061-1064.

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