Article Title :
Appositeness of a Social and Educational Psychologist- Kurt Lewin

Author Name :
Lalit Kumar

Keyword :
Field Theory, Vector Psychology, Topological Psychology, Life Space, Cognitive Structure, Group Dynamics, Change Model.

Publisher :
Politic India Publication

Download URL :

Abstract :
Appositeness of Kurt Lewin as an educational and social psychologist is unchallenged. His aptness and relevance are reflected through his work like cognitive field theory, models of change, group dynamics, conflict, force field analysis, action research, leadership climates, and his equation saying behaviour is the function of the person and his/her environment. His distinction between psychological environment and biological environment is unique and important. Kurt Lewin as a field theorist is being considered the father or founder of cognitive field psychology. His vector psychology, topological psychology and group dynamics are the great contributions to education and psychology. His concept of learning as a cognitive structure provides a bridge to correlate cognitive and constructivist approaches of learning. The concept of life space, communication & locomotion, energy, tension, need, valence, etc. provide meaning to educational and psychological understanding of the day. Kurt Lewin’s learning theory is still meaningful and employable in decision making, and no one can say that the effect of Kurt Lewin in education and psychology has diminished even after his demise of 78 years. His learning approach is useful in the understanding of learning’s role in making cognitive structure, use of repetition, reward and punishment, motivation, success and failure, level of aspiration, memory, etc. He has been criticized on certain ground, but despite forwarded many criticisms Lewin has great heuristic value because his work has generated a tremendous amount of research and experimentations in many educational and psychological areas.