Freud and Erikson could be classified as which type of theorists?

• A. Behaviorists
• B. Maturationists
• C. Humanists
• D. Cognitive Theorists

Answer: (B)

This question is about how we categorize major developmental theorists by what drives development. Freud and Erikson describe development as unfolding through a sequence of stages tied to age and guided by internal forces—the psychic energy in Freud’s theory and the psychosocial crises in Erikson’s. This focus on a biologically timed, stage-based progression fits the maturationist view, which emphasizes development driven by maturational processes. They’re not primarily about learning through reinforcement (behaviorists), mental problem-solving and information processing (cognitive theorists), or the pursuit of self-actualization and subjective growth (humanists). So, the best fit is maturationists.