The Work of Kurt Lewin
Psychologist-Sociologist-Gestaltist
Kurt Lewin's Field Theory
Psychological facts consist of the person’s awareness at the present moment. Past experiences, are not considered relevant unless they exist in the person’s current state of awareness. A person’s life space includes all essences that are personal, social, physical, and even imaginary, and are what direct behavior. If a person is thirsty, the psychological facts related to acquiring and utilizing a beverage will dominate a person’s life space. Several needs can occur simultaneously which exemplifies the complexities that inhabit one’s life space.
Drink
Quasi-needs
Occur Simultaneously
Tasks
Organization
The Cognitive Balance With Regard To Motivation
Lewin’s Conflict Theory
Approach-Approach
Avoidance-Avoidance
Approach-Avoidance
Group Dynamics
According to Lewin, a group can be viewed as a physical system, much like a brain can. The dynamic interdependence exists due to the individual influence of each member which determines the behavior of the group. The nature of the group determines its responses to certain forces and how these forces may be manipulated to result in desired changed group behaviors. A leader of a group, for example, may change their leadership style, which will have an effect on the group, and result in changed behaviors. When a sports team is underperforming, the coach will be blamed for failed leadership, resulting in the dismissal of the coach and the replacement of a new coach. The goal of the team and its sponsors is to have a team that outperforms, and it is the job of the coach to reach that goal.
References
[Cartoon Cup image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from: http://darrellhardy.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Drink_with_Straw.png
Cashin, A., Fowler, C., & McGarry, D. (2012). Child and adolescent psychiatric nursing and the 'plastic man': reflections on the implementation of change drawing insights from Lewin's theory of planned change. Contemporary Nurse, 41(2), 263+. Retrieved from: Gale Group.
Graham, S. & Weiner, B. (n.d.). Theories and principles of motivation. Retrieved from: http://www.unco.edu/cebs/psychology/kevinpugh/motivation_project/resources/graham_weiner96.pdf
Hergenhahn, B. R., & Henley, T. B. (2014). An introduction to the history of psychology (7th ed.). Belmont, CA:Wadsworth-Cengage.
[Jearvi image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from: http://www.gabrielhummel.com/2009/08/07/cut-the-but-out-of-life-making-big-decisions/
[Kurt Lewin image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from: http://psicologiaalvorada.blogspot.com/2011/03/resumo-kurt-lewin.html
[Multiple Needs image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from: http://www.ecoliteracy.org/downloads/needs-and-wants-activity
[Right/Wrong Decision image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from http://guardianlv.com/2013/09/dyslexia-may-be-behind-directional-confusion/
[Tasks image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from https://www.choredoor.com/
[Team Hands image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from http://www.dmsarrearssolutions.co.uk/Debt-Management-Services-the-winning-team.html
[Yes or No image]. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from http://frankborga.com/2013/07/how-do-i-learn-to-make-my-own-decisions/