Evaluate psycho-analytical theory of personality critically.
• Many psycho-analytical concepts are vague and not operationally defined and the hypotheses derived from them can not be tested. Thus, much of the theory is difficult to evaluate scientifically.
• Several of Freud's postulates are not consistent with the findings of modem research—for instance his ideas about the meaning of dreams.
• The theory is based on a small number of clinical case studies especially of upper class women, which cannot be considered as representative of human beings generally.
• This theory is criticized for having male-centered perspective and it views women as more sensitive and dependent on men.
• The theory has been criticized for over-emphasis on sexual desires of Id because social and cultural factors also influence personality development.
However some aspects of Freud's theory continue to gain acceptance as they are modified and improved through empirical scrutiny, e.g., role of childhood experience in personality development is being recognized.
