2. Developmental Theories

Question 1

Psychoanalytic Theory

Answer 1

Focuses on the role of the unconscious in behavior. One of the most influential theories. Many modern theories are extension, modifications, and reactions to psychoanalytic theory. Sigmund Freud was the pioneer with his psychosexual theory and Erik Erikson expanded on his theory with his psychosocial development. These theories are hard to test, and lead to a wave of other theories that could be tested (learning theories).

Question 2

Learning Theories

Answer 2

Focuses on how behaviors are learned. A reaction to Psychoanalytic Theory to find a more testable theory.

Question 3

Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

Ivan Pavlov’s learning theory which studies learning through association.

Question 4

Operant Conditioning

Answer 4

B.F Skinner’s learning theory which examined the effects of reinforcement and punishment

Question 5

Social learning theory

Answer 5

Albert Bandura’s learning theory which considered the effects of behavioral modeling

Question 6

Strength of Learning Theories

Answer 6

they can be tested and practically applied

Question 7

Weakness of Learning Theories

Answer 7

they ignore genetic processes and changes

Question 8

Cognitive Development Theories

Answer 8

are concerned with the development of thought processes and how these thought processes influence our understanding of the world around us.

Question 9

Stage of Cognitive development

Answer 9

Jean Piaget revolutionized the way we look at child development by being the first to suggest that children think differently than adults.

Question 10

Strength of Cognitive Development Theory

Answer 10

supported by research

Question 11

Weakness of Cognitive Development Theory

Answer 11

has a limited consideration of emotional factors

Question 12

Systems Theories

Answer 12

Look at how people interact with their environment and how they relate to biological facts and behavior.

Question 13

Evolutionary Developmental Psychology

Answer 13

application of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection to the process of human development

Question 14

Epigenetic Psychobiological Systems Perspective

Answer 14

Gilbert Gottlieb is an important figurine this theory which views development as a product of interaction between biological and environmental forces

Question 15

Ecological Systems Theory

Answer 15

Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. This theory divides the environments into different systems that interact to influence the development of an individual in some way

Question 16

Systems Theories Strengths

Answer 16

It’s emphasis on the interaction of many different factors in determining development

Question 17

Systems Theories Weaknesses

Answer 17

It’s emphasis on the interaction of many different factors in determining development is also systems theories weakness because the complex interaction between these factors is difficult to test.