Lecture 1

Question 1

Theory characteristics

Answer 1

1. Descriptive
2. Explanatory
3. Predictive
4. Makes assumptions
5. Reduction of reality
6. Generalizable
7. Testable

Question 2

Theories are replaced when

Answer 2

1. It is falsified by observations

2. A new theory explains observations better

Question 3

Good developmental theory characteristics

Answer 3

1. Relates to ontogeny
2. Focuses on change over time
3. Explains emergence of new properties
4. Is pedagogically useful

Question 4

Dimensions in developmental theories

Answer 4

1. Nature-Nurture
2. Continuous-Stages
3. Passive-Active

Question 5

Milestones motor development

Answer 5

Sequence is the same for everybody but difference in timing

Question 6

Maturational theory of Gesell

Answer 6

Maturation is directed by biology. Development patterns are independent of environmental input

Question 7

Key points of Gesell’s Maturational theory

Answer 7

1. Maturation of CNS determines development of the child, behavior follows
2. Cephalocaudal trend: head to foot
3. Proximodistal trend: from center to periphery
4. Differences in child’s temperament play important role in pace of development
5. Role of parents is to provide the right environment

Question 8

Criticisms of Gesell’s Maturational theory

Answer 8

1. Not all children follow the same pattern
2. Doesn’t generalize to all cultures
3. Environment can play guiding role

Question 9

McGraw research finding (1945)

Answer 9

Environment can shape motor development

Question 10

Gesell theory on the dimensions

Answer 10

1. Nature
2. Stages
3. Passive

Question 11

McGraw theory on the dimensions

Answer 11

1. Leaning slightly towards nurture
2. Stages
3. Passive

Question 12

Dynamic systems theory

Answer 12

Development is a complex interaction between properties of system and environment

Question 13

DST properties

Answer 13

1. System: collection of components that are related
2. Dynamic system: collection of changing components that influence each other
3. Self-organisation
4. Effects are non-linear

Question 14

According to DST motor development is shaped by

Answer 14

1. Development of CNS
2. Development of motor skills
3. Environment

Question 15

DST on the dimensions

Answer 15

1. Between nature and nurture
2. Between stages and continuous
3. Active

Question 16

Salience effect

Answer 16

Giving more weight to striking information when drawing conclusions

Question 17

Contrast error

Answer 17

Rating someone differently based on performance of the group

Question 18

Solutions to biases

Answer 18

1. Awareness of the limitations of clinical judgement
2. Include circumstances
3. Think of verification and falsification
4. Take instruments that are reliable and valid
5. Use multiple instruments
6. Stay critical
7. Use hypothesis testing model

Question 19

Basic questions recognition

Answer 19

1. Inventory
2. Organize
3. Indicate severity
4. DSM-5
5. Classification is part of diagnostics

Question 20

Basic questions explanation

Answer 20

1. Locus of control
2. Nature of control: cause and reason
3. Synchronous and diachronous
4. Induced and persistent conditions

Question 21

Basic questions prediction

Answer 21

Link predictor to research, experience

Question 22

Constructivism

Answer 22

Infants are not born with knowledge of the world

Piaget’s theory and information processing approach

Question 23

Connectionism

Answer 23

Modern theoretical approach in which computers are programmed to simulate the action of the brain and neurons

Question 24

Reductionism

Answer 24

Complex behaviors are formed from simpler processes and can be understood in simpler terms

Question 25

Psychosexual stages

Answer 25

1. Oral (0-1)
2. Anal (1-3)
3. Phallic (3-6)
   4 Latency and genital (6-adolescence)