The document discusses two major social science approaches: psychoanalysis and rational choice theory. Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, explores the unconscious mind and childhood influences on behavior, while rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions based on rational self-interest and cost-benefit analyses. Both theories have their strengths and weaknesses, contributing to our understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics.

1. Social Science
Approaches:
Psychoanalysis
and Rational
Choice
by johnmarklee limo

2. • a. Psychoanalysis
• b. Rational Choice Theory
After going this module, you are
expected to
Analyze the basic concepts and principles
of the major Social Science ideas:
Objectives:

3. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
"Father of Psychoanalysis"
Most unconscious desires
originate from childhood
experiences. (Frosh, 2016)
Unconscious desires hinder
the individual from
functioning in society.
(Frosh, 2016)

4. 1 Conscious
The access information,
memories and thoughts that
an individual has.
2 Preconscious
3 Unconscious
Accessible retrieval information which are
situated but are not currently in the
conscious level.
THE ICEBERG METHAPOR
Inaccessible information of memories,
thoughts, emotions, and feelings that are
most populated by childhood events. (Pick,
2015)

5. Three Components of Personality
1 ID 2 Ego 3 Superego

6. Pleasure Principle
1
2
3
Instincts or and basic
personality (unconscious
level).
Only seeks pleasure and
demands instant
gratification.
does not take reality into
account as it only demands
what it wants without
reason or logic.

7. Morality Principle (Pick, 2015)
1 Conscience, moral and
social aspect of
personality (conscious
level).
2 Opposes the desires of
the Id by enforcing moral
restrictions.
3 They teach moral
principles to their
children by punishing
transgressions and
rewarding proper
behavior.

8. Balance Principle
1 Center of logic and
reason, decision-maker,
balance (preconscious
level).
2 Balance principle

9. The Bottom Line
•In short, psychoanalysis is a complex topic
that explores the depths of the human
psyche, emphasizing the unconscious,
childhood experiences, and the therapeutic
bond. Although criticized for its absence of
scientific evidence and focus on individuals,
it still serves as a valuable tool for
comprehending psychological distress.
Psychoanalysis is continuously developing,
underscoring the need for ongoing research
and critical dialogue to enhance our
comprehension of the human psyche.

10. Introduction to Rational Choice
Theory
1 Origins
2 Core Concept
3 Application
Individuals make decisions based
on rational self-interest.
Used to explain social, economic,
and political behavior.
Developed in economics, and
later applied to other social
sciences.

11. What is Rational Choice
Theory?
1
2
3
Human action and behavior
are product of choice or
decision.
Individuals rationalize their situations
by processing between the most
beneficial choice and the lesser
individual cost.
Cost benefit analysis is always
performed in every given situation
and is considered an instinctual
response of every human.

12. • An amount that has to be paid or
spent to buy or obtain something.
• An advantage or profit gained
from something.
Benefit
Cost

13. Assumptions of Rational Choice
Theory 2.1
Individualism
Optimality
Structures
It is the ability of individuals to ultimately take actions.
(independent, self-reliant).
Individuals choose their actions optimally, given their
individual preferences as well as the opportunities or
constraints with which the individuals face. (best or
most effective)
These structures and norms that dictate a single course
of action are merely special cases of rational choice
theory.
(Pasion, 2018)

14. Assumptions of Rational Choice
Theory 2.1
Self-Regarding Interest
Rationality
This assumption states that the actions
of an individual is concerned entirely
with his/her own welfare.
It is the most predominant assumption
of the rational choice theory.

15. Assumptions of Rational
Choice Theory 2.2
Generality
Parsimony
(cheapness) The
common knowledge of
rationality assumption.
Predictive
Assumptions about actors in a situation
can align with assumptions about the
environment they are in.
Used to produce a wide variety of
decisive theories, whose predictions
about measurable real-world phenomena
rule out much larger outcomes than what
is already general.
(Pasion, 2018)

16. Pros of Rational Choice
Theory
• Helpful in explaining individual
and collective behaviors.
• All theories attempt to give
meaning to the things we
observe in the world.
• Can help to explain
behavior that seems
irrational.
Cons of Rational Choice
Theory
• Individuals do not always
make rational decisions.
• People are often moved by external
factors that are not rational, such as
emotions.
• Individuals do not have perfect
access to the information they
would need to make the most
rational decision every time.
• People value some dollars more
than others.

17. The Bottom
Line
Most classical economic theories
are founded on the principles of
rational choice theory, which
suggests that individuals make
decisions that maximize their
benefits or utility. Additionally,
people tend to prefer actions that
provide them with the greatest
advantages over those that are
neutral or detrimental.