“Part 1 Choose 1 theory of identity from chapter 1 of Mapping Psychology (book 1) and write an essay describing how it contributes to understanding the identities of people with physical disabilities. [word count 1038] PART 2 1. Explain the problems with the proposed study concerning informed consent. [word count 113] 2. Explain three of the other ethical problems raised by the proposed study. [word count 218] 3. Suggest a possible improvement to the study and explain the ethical problem(s) this would address. [word count 98]”

Part 1 – In psychology, the concept of identity is primarily concerned with understanding people and their lives.  The study of identity is not a new concept however and one of the first to study it was William James who published his Psychological Theory of identity in 1890 (Phoenix, 2007).  Since then there have been 3 main theories put forward that have aimed to define and explain identity.  Psychosocial theory, when both personal and social factors are responsible for the development of identity.  Social Identity Theory (SIT) which suggests that identity is formed when people come to identify with particular groups and separate themselves from others which they consider of lower status, and the third theory is that of Social Construction.  This approach states that identity is not natural but is constructed through discourse, language and social interaction.  This essay will l…(short extract)