General

Question 1

A theory should be …

Answer 1

1. logically sound – internally consistent
2. empirically sound – not contradicted by scientific observations
3. clear, testable
4. parsimonious – relying on as few constructs etc. as possible
5. cover a reasonably large area of a science
6. integrate previous research

Question 2

What is a developmental theory?

Answer 2

1. Focuses on changes over time.
2. Might have nondevelopmental theoretical concepts (e.g., ego, mental representations), but emphasize changes over time in these concepts.
3. Attempts to explain by what process a phenomenon both emerges from prior development and leads to subsequent development.

Question 3

What are the tasks of developmental theories?

Answer 3

1. to describe changes within one or several areas of behavior
2. to describe changes in the relations among several areas of behavior
3. to explain the course of development - theories offer a set of general principles or rules for change

Question 4

A theory makes two contributions:

Answer 4

1. Organizes and gives meaning to facts

2. Guides future research

Question 5

What main issues do developmental theories address?

Answer 5

1. What is the basic nature of humans?
2. Is development qualitative or quantitative?
3. How do nature and nurture contribute to development?
4. What is it that develops?

Question 6

Three worldviews can be found in theories of developmental psychology:

Answer 6

1. Mechanistic view
2. Organismic view
3. Contextualism

Question 7

Mechanistic view:

Answer 7

1. World like a machine composed of parts that operate in time and space (e.g., a watch, chain reaction)
2. Complete prediction is possible
3. Humans seen as passive, and motivated by environmental or bodily forces

Question 8

Organismic view:

Answer 8

1. Modeled on living systems such as plants or animals
2. A human, by nature, is an active, organized whole and constantly; development is inherent in humans
3. New skills emerge as humans mature and engage with the world
4. Theories often posit qualitative rather than gradual change

Question 9

Contextualism:

Answer 9

1. A behavior has meaning only in terms of its social-historical context
2. Children‘s patterns of development can differ across cultures, or historical times
   no universal laws of behavior and development
   contrasts with the mechanistic and organismic focus on universal laws

Question 10

Is development quantitative or qualitative?

Answer 10

1. Quantitative change: gradual changes in amount, frequency or degree
2. Qualitative changes: changes in kind or type (e.g., changes in structure or organization)

Question 11

What are the four basic developmental issues?

Answer 11

1. What is the basic nature of humans?
2. Is development qualitative or quantitative?
3. How do nature and nurture contributte to development?
4. What is it that develops?