Criticisms of Freud
The following are some of the criticisms leveled against his findings and theoretical formulations. Firstly, critics have cited Freud’s overreliance on clinical and scientific observations. Therefore, critics have raised questions of the inability to offer a general insight into the understanding of human behavior based on verifiable data.
To ensure that studies are verifiable, one should be able to subject the study to a test to provide a plausible and sound analysis. This aims at overcoming the weaknesses cited in respect of the lack of empirical proof. The other weakness that has attracted negative criticism is the difficulties posed by his studies concerning the measurability of his factor elements. Critics from the scientific end assert that for any study finding to remain unchallenged, it must satisfy the measurement test. On the other hand, his theories overemphasized the role of the unconscious mind, sexual aspects, aggression, and childhood. Using this foundation as the basis of the argument, the opposing forces have cited his inclined nature in both approach and scope on human issues. They assume that a study carried out should be able to reflect upon the needs of the majority, thus, should remain relevant to all the fundamentals of human life.
Contributions of Freud to the field of Psychology
In spite of the numerous criticisms against Freud’s scientific theories of psychodynamic analysis, Freudian personality studies have had an enormous influence on the field of the psychological field. Sigmund Freud remains one of the greatest psychologists who have contributed to the development of the field of psychology in innumerable ways.
Studies conducted on psychoanalysis have found many applications of Freud’s theories in the contemporary clinical treatment of psychological problems. Therefore, his clinical studies on specific human behavior continue to lend many lessons to the field. For instance, he proposed that mere talking about the challenges of a psychological nature with a trusted professional had a far-reaching impact on the process of relieving symptoms of given psychological distress.
The growth of scientific research, especially the field of experimental psychology, borrows heavily from the underlying studies conducted by Sigmund Freud. Although most of the psychodynamic theories and studies were carried out without relying on experiments, their methodological approaches have served to develop the field in significant ways.
The current cognitive studies by contemporary scientists in the field of psychology His findings have supported his findings. Perhaps one of the greatest contributions to the field of psychology has been the Freudian studies of the human mind, which has ignited many studies to discover the way in which the human mind functions. Therefore, individual studies conducted by Sigmund Freud have served to give insight into discoveries and ideas in the field in both theory and practice.
Personality studies and other studies related to human character have remained relevant and applicable to today’s life. For instance, psychological studies of the contemporary moment borrow heavily from these contributions, hence emerging more successfully than before. Many psychodynamic thinkers of the Freudian era continue to influence modern theory and practice in the field of psychology.