Historical Theories on Development Flashcards
describe the fundamental view of “preformationism”
the belief that a tiny, fully formed human is implanted in the sperm or egg at conception and then grows in size until birth
describe children according to the preformationism believes
children possess all sensory capabilities, emotions and mental aptitude at birth, abilities would unfold on predetermined schedule
apply nature vs. nurture to preformationism
environment plays no role in determining development
describe John Locke’s (years) theory of development
child’s mind is a “blank slate”. Development wholly depends on environment. Environment will create most powerful change in early life (1632-1704)
what and who did John Locke’s work lay the groundwork for?
behavioural perspective and subsequent learning theories of Pavlov, Skinner and Bandura
what did Jean-Jacques Rousseau (years) have in common with Locke?
(1712-1778) both believed that children were not just little adults
what did JJ- Rousseau not believe in?
not believe that children are blank slates and we should not teach them the correct way to think.
what did Rousseau believe about children?
developed according to a natural plan which unfolded in different stages and should be allowed to think by themselves
followers of Rousseau’s developmental perspective include (3)
Gesell, Montessori and Piaaget
what did Arnold Gesell (years) believe about children?
the child’s development was activated by genes (maturation), and that development unfolded in fixed sequences
what did Arnold Gesell oppose regarding the teaching of children? why?
teaching children ahead of schedule. they will engage in behaviours when their nervous system has sufficiently matured
describe Sigmund Freud’s beliefs about development. (emphasized, natural state, assumptions)
emphasized importance of early childhood experiences shaping our personality and behaviour.
describe Sigmund Freud’s beliefs about development. (natural state)
we are biological beings and are driven primarily by instincts
describe Sigmund Freud’s beliefs about development. (assumptions)
personality formed during first few years of life. The way caregivers interacted with the child would have long-lasting effects on the emotional state
Sigmund Freud’s beliefs formed the (…) perspective and his theories of (… …) and (…) dominated the field of psychiatry until the growth of behaviourism in the 19__’s
psychodynamic, psychosexual development, psychopathology, 1950’s
