Kathleen Stassen Berger Part I Chapter Two Theories of Development Grand Theories Emergent Theories Useful Application of Theories 1
Grand Theories In the first half of the 20th century, two opposing theories psychoanalytic and behaviorism began as general theories. By mind-century, cognitive theory had emerged and these three theories are grand in that they are comprehensive, enduring, and widely applied. 2
Psychoanalytic Theory A grand theory of human development that holds that irrational, unconscious drives and motives, often originating in childhood, underlies human behavior. 3
Freud s Ideas The Psychoanalytic theory originated with Sigmund Freud (1856-1936). Birth to 1 year the mouth the oral stage 1-3 years the anus the anal stage 3-6 years the penis the phallic stage 6-11 years quite time -latency stage Adolescence and beyond genital stage 4
Erikson s Ideas Erik Erikson 1902-1994 Was a follower of Freud who emphasized: culture diversity social change psychological crises Family and culture, not sexual urges 5
Behaviorism Theory A grand theory of human development that studies observable behavior. John Watson 1878 1958 all behavior is learned specific laws of learning apply to conditioning strongly believed in verifiable data with controlled experiments. study what a person does, not what they think/feel 6
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all behavior is learned step by step conditioning Law of Behavior the processes by which responses become linked to particular stimuli conditioning = repeated practice classical conditioning (respondent conditioning) a person or animal is conditioned to associate a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus 8
operant conditioning-(instrumental conditioning) learning process by which a particular action is followed by something desired. the person will likely repeat the action reinforcement A technique for conditioning behavior where behavior is followed by something desired 9
A VIEW FROM SCIENCE What s a Mother For? According to Harlow, All primates are comforted by something soft, warm, and familiar to touch. 10
Social Learning Theory extension of behaviorism emphasizes the influence that other people have over a person s behavior. Modeling-a person observes the actions of others and then copies them Self-efficacy-belief of some people that they are able to change themselves and effectively alter the social context 11
Cognitive Theory Third grand theory Focuses on changes in how people think over time. According to this theory, our thoughts shape our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Jean Piaget 1896-1980 patriarch of cognitive theory Swiss scientist trained in biology 12
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Focuses of the Grand Theories 14
Emergent Theories Multicultural and Multidisciplinary sociocultural theory drawing on research in education, anthropology, and history epigenetic theory arising from biology, genetics, and neuroscience 15
Sociocultural Theory: development results from the dynamic interaction between each person and the surrounding social and cultural forces. 16
Cultural Variations guided participation: a technique in which skilled mentors help novices learn not only by providing instruction but also by allowing direct, shared involvement in the activity. Also called apprenticeship in thinking. 17
Lev Vygotsky, 1896-1934 Pioneer of the sociocultural perspective Psychologist from the former Soviet Union who studied cognitive competency among the diverse peoples of his huge nation, as well as among children who were mentally retarded. Concluded that each person learns from the more skilled members of the community. 18
The Zone of Proximal Development In sociocultural theory, a metaphorical area or zone, surrounding a learner that includes all skills, knowledge, and concepts that the person is close to acquiring but cannot master without help. 19
Zone of Proximal Development 20
Epigenetic Theory: considers both the genetic origins of behavior and the direct, systematic influences that environmental forces have over time on genes. 21
With, On, and Around the Genes epigenetic is formed from the root word genetic and the prefix epi... genetic refers to the entire genome including: genes that make each person genetically unique (except monozygotic twins) genes that distinguish our species as human genes that all animals share epi- means with, around, before, after, on or near. 22
Genetic Adaptation Selective Adaptation humans and other organisms gradually adjust to their environment. This process is based on the frequency with which a particular genetic trait in a population increases or decreases over generations; that frequency depends on whether or not the trait contributes to survival and reproductive ability of members of that population 23
Useful Application of Theories Each major theory discussed has contributed a great deal to the understanding of human development. Psychoanalytic theory has made us aware of the importance of early childhood experiences. Behaviorism has shown effect of the immediate environment on learning. 24
Useful Application of Theories Cognitive theory shows how intellectual process and thinking affect actions. Sociocultural theory has reminded us of the importance of culture in learning. Epigenetic theory reminds us of the power of genes and their interaction with the environment. 25
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Useful Application of Theories A Developmental theory is a statement of principles that provide a coherent framework for understanding how and why people change as they grow older. An eclectic perspective is the approach taken by most developmentalists, in which they apply aspects of each of the various theories of development. 27
The Nature-Nurture Controversy and ADHA Nature - the genes that people inherit Nurture - all the environmental influences Nature and Nurture Always interact Heredity vs. Environment How much of any characteristic, behavior, or pattern of development is the result of genes and how much is the result of experience? 28