Contemporary Theories on Development

Question 1

Eight developmental stages that encompasses the entire lifespan.
Social relationships foster development, not sexuality.
Each period has unique challenges that must be faced. (Psychosocial Crises)
If these challenges are not resolved during its specific stage, it hinder our ability to deal with later stages.

Answer 1

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

Question 2

It is not possible to objectively study the mind so psychologists must focus on the behavior itself.
Application of reinforcement/rewards in imposing behavior.

Answer 2

Learning Theory/Behaviorism (B.F. Skinner)

Question 3

We learn by watching others. Many of our actions are not learned thru conditioning but thru imitation of what we see.
We are not just a product of our environment, rather we influence it (Reciprocal determinism)
Bobo doll experiment

Answer 3

Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)

Question 4

How our mental processes change over time.

Answer 4

Cognitive Theory

Question 5

One of the first to recognize how children’s intelligence differs from adults.
Children’s intellectual skills progress over time thru maturation, not training.
Theorized that children progressed thru 4 stages of cognitive development.

Answer 5

Jean Piaget (Cognitive Theory)

Question 6

Importance of culture and interaction in the development of cognitive abilities.
A person not only has a set of abilities, but also potential abilities that can be discovered if given proper guidance.

Answer 6

Lev Vygotsky (Sociocultural Theory) Also cognitive

Question 7

Based on ideas and research of multiple cognitive scientists.
Assumes that humans gradually improve their processing skills (cognitive dev is continuous). We are born with the ability to notice stimuli, store, retrieve info.
Brain maturation enables advancements in info processing system.
Environment interaction aid in dev of more effective strategies.

Answer 7

Information Processing Theory

Question 8

Framework for understanding the multiple influences on human development.
Micro - setting and direct/significant contact
Meso - larger organizational areas (school)
Exo - contexts of community (values, history, economy)
Macro - cultural elements (global economy, war, tech trends, values, society)
Chrono - historical context (different generational time periods)

Answer 8

Ecological Systems Theory (Urie Bronfenbrenner)