1. Chapter Two: Theories of Development. PowerPoints prepared by Cathie
Robertson, Grossmont College. • Developmental Theory. – Systematic statement
of.
AH3 - Chapter 2
Chapter Two: Theories of Development
PowerPoints prepared by Cathie Robertson, Grossmont College
What Theories Do • Developmental Theory
– Systematic statement of principles and generalizations – Provides a coherent framework for studying development – Try to make sense out of observations
What Theories Do, cont. • Theories – form basis for hypotheses that can be tested by research studies – generate discoveries – offer insight and guidance by providing coherent view
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AH3 - Chapter 2
Grand Theories • Powerful framework for interpreting and understanding change and development • Applies to all individuals in all contexts, across all contents • Comprehensive, enduring, and widely applied
Psychoanalytic Theory • Interprets human development in terms of motives and inner drives • Freud – 3 stages of development in first six years – Characterized by sexual pleasure centered on certain part of body
• Erikson
– 8 developmental stages, each characterized by a developmental crisis
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Behaviorism (Learning Theory) • Arose in direct opposition of psychoanalytic theory • Built on laws of sequences and processes by which behavior is learned • Learning occurs through conditioning & reinforcement • Focuses on how environment influences development
Social Learning • Revision of behaviorism • Involves people observing behavior and patterning their own after it • Appreciate touch, warmth, reassurance, & example of others • Integral part is Modeling – most likely to occur if model is admired or observer is inexperienced
Cognitive Theory • Focuses on the structure and development of thought processes and understanding • Shape perceptions, attitudes, and actions (behavior) • Piaget’s 4 major stages of development
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Emergent Theories • Are multicultural, multidisciplinary, & multimethod • Provide a significant framework for the science of human development • Sociocultural & Epigenetic Theories
Sociocultural Theory • Human development is the result of dynamic interaction of the developing persons and their surrounding society & culture • Aspects include: guided participation, apprenticeship in thinking, & zone of proximal development
Epigenetic Theory • Emphasizes the interaction between genes and the environment • Interaction is dynamic & reciprocal • Acknowledges the powerful instincts and abilities that arise from our biological heritage – Selective Adaptation
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The Nature-Nurture Controversy • Is it heredity or environment that shapes us? • Nature – traits, capacities, & limitations inherited genetically at conception • Nurture – all environmental influences that affect development after conception
