Psychology
Theories WebQuest
An Internet WebQuest on Psychology
Theories
R.W.
King -
Room C224
Voice Mail 866-6328
Email - Kingr@mail.carver.org
Theories in psychology have
changed over the years. As psychology becomes more of a 'hard' science and
technology allows psychologists to test and measure things like how much energy
the brain uses while solving a math problem, our understanding of human
development and why we do what we do changes. The class will be divided into
five groups. Each group will select one area of psychological study listed
below, and design a Webpage for that topic.
The topics are:
Learning
Mental abilities (intelligence)
Human development
Personality
Motivation
What impact have
prominent theories in psychology had on the understanding of human development?
You will use the
Internet sources supplied in this WebQuest and any other reputable sources you
find to determine and examine your topics major theories, and in many cases
the people responsible for those theories. The emphasis of this assignment is
to explain the major components of 3 to 4 theories in each topic (one for each
member of your group), then to determine what impact each of those theories has
had on the understanding of human development. How has our current
understanding of how humans learn, how to determine intelligence, what
motivates us to do things, how we develop cognitively, socially, morally, etc.
through the life cycles, or of how personalities develop been influenced by or
in spite of theories of the past and present?
So start with choosing a topic, then, as a group, use the Internet sources to
determine what theories you think are most important to that topic (which ones
show up most often or have the most information in the different sources).
Next, each group member will become an expert on one theory (and in most cases,
the person who is connected to that theory). Look for ways the understanding of
human behavior was affected by this theory. Were government policies made that
reflect this theory? Were people treated in certain ways because this theory
was accepted? Etc. Look for ways that advancements in science have influenced
the understanding of this topic.
In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in
class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group
you will explore Web pages from people all over the world about Psychology
theories. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made
just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the
online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.
You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before
dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the
topic.
Use the Internet information
linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and
how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these
questions as fully and insightfully as you can.
o
History of the Psychology - A TimeLine of psychological ideas. Divided into
three categories, Year 600 before our era to 1899; 1900 to 1949; and 1950 up to
our days. The middle section, 1900 to 1949 will be the most helpful, though
some information can be found in the other two.
o
General Psychology - This site uses our textbook as a guide. It will give you ideas on
what to look for in your search. This is a good place to start as well.
o
Famous Figures in Psychology - This site has many web pages devoted to the famous
psychologists of the past (and present). A good site to use once you know who
you are looking for.
o
Psychologists - This site contains articles and biographies of noted psychologists.
Another good place to go once you know who you are looking for.
o
Famous Figures in Psychology - This site has many web pages devoted to the famous
psychologists of the past (and present). A good site to use once you know who
you are looking for.
o
Psychologists - This site contains articles and biographies of noted psychologists.
Another good place to go once you know who you are looking for.
o
epsychlopedia - An on-line encyclopedia of psychology with articles, links and chats
for students of psychology.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Each person in your WebQuest team will explore an
individual theory from their topic.
2. Read through the files linked to your topic. If you
print out the files, underline the passages that you
feel are the most important. If you look at the files
on the computer, copy sections you feel are important
by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying /
pasting it into a word processor or other writing
software.
3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of
the file you take the passage from so you can quickly
go back to it if you need to prove your point.
4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main
opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based
on what you have learned from the links for your role.
Use the Internet
information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to
Learning
o
Psychology 1101. Chapter 5 Learning. - This site has an outline of four theories of
learning and links to some theorists. This is a good place to start.
o
The Behavioral System - Terms and theorists of Behaviorists on learning.
This is a good site to get information, then look up individual psychologists.
o
Learning.
- This site has links to sites dealing with the topic of learning.
Use the Internet
information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to:
Mental abilities (intelligence)
o
Intelligence
- This site contains a review of the history of theories and theorists concerning
intelligence and mental abilities. This should be one of the first sites you
look at.
o
Intelligence (mental abilities) - This site has an outline of four theories of
learning, and links to some theorists. This should be very helpful.
o
Intelligence & Mental Abilities - This site contains links to sites dealing with the
topic of intelligence and mental abilities.
Use the Internet
information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to:
Human development
o
Development
- This site has definitions, theories and theorists concerning human
development. This is a good place to start.
o
Human Development - This sites has links to sites dealing with the topic of human
development. You will need to know a little about the subject before using this
site. Start with the terms.
Use the Internet
information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to :
1. Motivation
2. Personality
o
Motivation and Emotion - This site contains definitions, theories and
theorists concerning motivation. From here you can look for information on
specific theories and theorists on the general sites.
o
Personality
- There are many theories of personality. You will want to look at this site
and narrow your search down to 3 or 4 theories.
o
Personality Theories - This
site has an introduction to personality theories and biographies of personality
theorists. It will be helpful in determining which theories and theorists you
want to pursue.
o
Theories of Personality. - This site contains links to personality theorists.
You will need to know who you are looking for to use this site.
Now group members come
back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained. You must all now answer
the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to
the answer: Some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information,
pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to
convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of
your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion).
Each member of the group will assume one of the following roles:
1. Editor has the final say on what goes on the Webpage
2. WebMaster - responsible for the actual layout of the
Webpage
3. Reporter(s) - assist editor and webmaster in finding
additional information, graphics, etc.
You and your teammates
have learned a lot by dividing up into different roles. Now it is time to let
your classmates in on what you have learned. Your finished Web pages will be
the focus of class discussions on the impact of different theories in
psychology. Your Webpage should demonstrate the following:
1 Give background information that shows you understand
the topic.
2.STATE THE TASK / QUEST(ION) AND YOUR GROUP'S ANSWER.
3. Each person in your group should explain their area of
expertise. Make sure to be specific in both the
information (like where you got it from on the Web) and
the reasoning (why the information proves your group's
point).
Assessment for this WebQuest is as follows:
1. Worked well with group
Worked well all the time 20 pts.
Worked well most of the time 15 pts.
Worked well some of the time 10 pts.
Did not work well with the group 5 pts.
2. Use of time and preparation
Used time wisely and was always prepared 20 pts.
Usually used time wisely and usually prepared 15 pts.
Sometimes used time wisely and sometimes prepared 10 pts.
Inadequate use of time and inadequate preparation 5 pts.
3. Use of Resources
Excellent use of resources 20 pts.
Good use of resources 15 pts.
Some use of resources 10 pts.
Inadequate use of resources 5 pts.
4. Clarity of explanation of theories and impact
Excellent understanding and explanation of theory and impact 20 pts.
Good understanding and explanation of theory and impact 15 pts.
Some understanding and explanation of theory and impact 10 pts.
Inadequate understanding and explanation of theory and impact 5 pts.
Standards addressed:
Grade level 11-12
The student who is
information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
Develops and uses successful strategies for locating information.
The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and
competently.
Selects information appropriate to the problem or question at hand.
The student who is information literate uses information accurately and
creatively.
Applies information in critical thinking and problem solving.
Produces and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats.
The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society
is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and
generate information.
Shares knowledge and
information with others.
Respects others' ideas and backgrounds and acknowledges their contributions.
Collaborates with others, both in person and through technologies, to identify
information problems and to see their solutions.
Now you all know a lot
more about theories in psychology. Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves!
How can you use what you've learned to see beyond the black and white of a
topic and into the grayer areas? What other parts of Psychology Theories could
still be explored? Remember, learning never stops.