Introduction to theory

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

A “proposed explanation” for development that is still considered conjectured but is supported by a substantial and systematic body of evidence.
- if it is truly a theory it is never observable.

Question 2

What is the criteria for judging a theory?

Answer 2

1. Logically sound, internally considered, lack of contradiction.
2. Empirically sound; provable through experiments.
3. Clear, testable, parsimonious (straightforward)
4. Cover a reasonable amount and build on previous research.

Question 3

Why is a theory important in developmental science?

Answer 3

• it provides a way to organize information.

- it guides further research.

Question 4

How is a theory developed?

Answer 4

Data –> Theory –> New Assumptions –> New Data & Facts –> Refined Theory

Question 5

Jean Piaget (1896-1980)

Answer 5

Born in Neuchatel, Switzerland, was French speaking. Mom dad two sisters, and a lot of conflict at home. He escaped drama through nature, serious work. He liked to focus on one thing, rather than a lot. First paper at 10, studied mollusks. Interested in psychoanalysis but not psychosis. Conflict between religious and scientific teachings (mom & dad)

Question 6

James Mark Baldwin (1861-1934)

Piaget influence

Answer 6

American Psychologist
Studied own infant daughters (Piaget got idea to observe daughters from him)
Wrote Mental Development in The Child and the Race 1894
-Adaptation / Accommodation in relation to Mollusks.

Question 7

Theodore Simon (Paris)

Piaget’s influences

Answer 7

Worked at Alfred Binet’s lab
Standardizing IQ test-that was where he was working, he was intrigued by answers and explanations.
Child Answers - Quality.
He married Valentine Chateney in 1923, had 3 kids
Began to study kids In 1921
Worked closely with Barbel Inhelder and his publications were with her.

Question 8

What is the general orientation of Piaget’s Theory?

Answer 8

He wanted to know how knowledge grew.
Genetic: development or emergence
Epistemology: time, space, causality, quantity. Study of knowledge.
Knowledge is a process rather than a state.
We construct knowledge.
We know the world by acting on it.
4 MAJOR CONCEPTS

Question 9

1. biological approach

Answer 9

Biological concepts as analogies for the way the intelligence works.
Organisms adapts to environment at physical level.
Thought adapts to environment at psychological level- “mental embryology”
Organized structured becomes more differentiated over time.

Question 10

2. Stage Approach

Answer 10

Each stage is signified by underlying mental structured.

- “sequential levels of adapting” each stage is signified by the way the child thinks.

Question 11

3. 5 salient characteristics

Answer 11

1. A stage is a structured whole in a stage of equilibrium.
2. Stages build on one another.
3. Invariant sequence.
4. Universal
5. Each stage includes a coming-into-being and a being.

Question 12

5 salient characteristics

1. A stage is a structured whole in a stage of equilibrium.

Answer 12

Each stage has a different structure.
It allows children to interact with the whole world in a unique way, therefor understands in a unique way.
Qualitative changes between stages.

Question 13

5 salient characteristics

2. Stages build on one another.

Answer 13

Derives from previous stage (HAVE to go through one to get to the other)
Incorporates previous stage.
Transforms previous stage.
Prepares for the next stage.
No regression (skills fro, previous stage remain, but are more complex)

Question 14

5 salient characteristics

3. Invariant sequence.

Answer 14

Never changing.

Question 15

5 salient characters

4. Universal

Answer 15

Variation only In timing

Question 16

5 salient characteristics

5. Each stage includes a coming-into-being and being.

Answer 16

Period of preparation 
Period of achievement 
Gradual change within and between 
Stage description 
Final organized structured

Question 17

4. Methodology

Answer 17

Observatio s/classification of behaviors
He used the clinical methods as his primary methods; this involves interviews, chain like verbal interaction, attempt to elicit reasoning behind answers.
Added object manipulation
Observations/baby diaries
Incorporated experiments too and participant behavior.