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Which two of the following theories view human nature as being neutral?

a. behaviorist and psychoanalytic
b. trait and social learning
c. trait and humanistic
d. psychoanalytic and humanistic"

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Behaviorist and social learning theories view human nature as being neutral, focusing on environmental and learned aspects of personality development, contrasting with the deterministic psychoanalytic approach and the growth-focused humanistic perspective.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two theories that view human nature as being neutral are behaviorist and social learning theories. The behaviorist theory, developed by B. F. Skinner, sees personality as a product of the environment with consistent behavior patterns emerging from prior learning. It does not attribute personality traits to inborn factors, but rather to external reinforcements and consequences. Meanwhile, Albert Bandura's social learning theory, while recognizing environmental influences, also includes the concept of reciprocal determinism, where individuals are seen as being capable of shaping their environment, reflecting a more neutral stance on human nature.

On the contrary, psychoanalytic theory, as proposed by Sigmund Freud, is deterministic, suggesting that behavior is driven by unconscious impulses. The humanistic approach, with proponents such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, views humans inherently inclined towards goodness, focusing on the potential for self-actualization and growth. These theories do not consider human nature as neutral but rather influenced by specific internal or innate predispositions.

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