Lecture #1 - What Is Human Development / Theories? Flashcards
What is human development?
- is the study of how humans grow and change over the course of their
lives. It includes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur from infancy
through adulthood and into old age.
Scientific Inquiry Involves…
- Observation: The process of carefully watching and recording phenomena related to human growth and development.
- Theory: Developing conceptual frameworks or explanations to understand the patterns and processes of human development. Theories offer insights into how and why changes occur.
- Practice: The application of these theories to real-world situations, helping to improve or guide developmental outcomes.
How does Shaping Beliefs and Guiding Research relate back to theories?
- Theories provide frameworks that influence how we think about human behavior.
They also guide new researchby suggesting areas to investigate, refining existing
knowledge, or offering new perspectives on human development.
How does a lack of universal agreement relate back to theories?
- In psychology, there is no universal agreement on many theories. Different
researchers may offer varying explanations or focus on different aspects of
development, leading to a diversity of opinions and perspectives.
How does examining Constancy and change relate back to theories?
Human development looks at the patterns of stability (constancy) and change that
occur throughout the lifespan. It seeks to understand:
○ How do people stay the same?
○ How do they change over time?
What is Constancy (staying the same)?
Throughout life, people maintain certain core aspects of their identity and
behavior.
Ex:
○ Temperament
○ Core beliefs and values
○Physical traits
What Is Change Over Time?
People experience changes in various areas over their lifespan. This can occur in:
○ Physical abilities
○ Cognitive abilities
○ Emotional and social aspects
How does development imply change over time?
- Human development refers to change that occurs over time, typically from something
simple to something more complex. For example:
○ Learning to walk is a developmental change
○ Changing a hairstyle
What is Direction of Development?
- Development generally follows a direction towards greater complexity or
coordination. This could refer to skills, behaviors, or even social interactions
becoming more intricate and refined as a person matures.
What is Scholars’ Perspectives?
Theories of human development are shaped by the personal perspectives and
experiences of the scholars who propose them. Because scholars are human too, their
own background, beliefs, and cultural influences play a role in how they interpret
human behavior and development. This means that theories are not entirely objective;
they reflect the biases and experiences of the theorists.
What is a theory?
A theory is a logical system of concepts that provides an explanation for observations
and helps build a body of knowledge. It organizes and interprets facts or phenomena
in a coherent way, offering a framework for understanding how things work or why
they happen.
What are informal theories?
built from personal experiences, observations, or cultural beliefs. For example, the idea that “opposites attract” in relationships is a common informal theory.
What are formal theories?
structured and needs to be supported by extensive evidence. This evidence often comes from empirical experimentation and observation, where data is collected and analyzed to support or refine the theory.
What does a formal theory include?
- Assumptions
- Definitions
- Hypotheses
What’s the difference between a theory and empirical research?
○ Theories explain facts, providing context for why things occur.
○ Empirical research collects data to test those theories. Research gathers evidence that either supports or challenges the theory.
○ Theories can offer explanations for observed facts, but they cannot change the
facts themselves.
What are the three main purposes of a theory?
- To inspire research
- To explain phenomena
- To direct future studies
What are the five components of a theory?
- Assumptions
- Domains
- Range of applicability
- constructs
- Hypotheses
What are the five characteristics of a good theory?
- Logical
- Internally consistent
- Parsimonious
- Testable
- Integrates previous research
What Do We Expect from a Theory of Human Development?
- What is the direction of change over the lifespan?
- What are the mechanisms that account for growth from conception through to old age?
- How relevant are early experiences for later development?
- How do the environmental and social contexts affect development?
- What factors are likely to place a person at risk at specific periods of the lifespan?
- What are the practical implications of the theory for prevention, intervention, education, or social change?
What are Challenges to Understanding Human Development Across the Lifespan?
- Change in the Context of a Changing Environment
- Qualitative vs. Quantitative Changes
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
- Biological, Psychological, and Societal Systems
- Conscious, Reflective, and Goal-Directed Nature of Humans
- Nature vs. Nurture
Here’s how you can understand and choose among the many theories:
- Challenges Lead to Multiple Theories
- Criteria for Choosing a Theory
- Theories Divided Into Families
- How to Choose
