Study Flashcards
What is meant by the term “blank slate” or “tabula rasa” as applied to child development?
The term “blank slate” or “tabula rasa,” as applied to child development, refers to the idea that individuals are born without innate mental content, and that all knowledge, behaviors, and personality traits are shaped primarily by experience and environmental influences. This concept suggests that children are shaped by their interactions with the world around them, emphasizing the role of nurture in their development, rather than inherent traits or instincts.
Briefly explain Noam Chomsky’s “nature-geared model” of language development in a child.
Noam Chomsky’s “nature-geared model” of language development posits that humans are born with an innate capacity for language, supported by a universal grammar that underlies all languages. This model suggests that children are pre-wired to acquire language naturally, and that their exposure to linguistic input activates this inherent ability, allowing them to develop complex language skills without explicit teaching. Chomsky argues that this innate framework is crucial for understanding how children learn language rapidly and efficiently, despite the limited input they receive.
Briefly explain Greenspan and Shanker’s “nurture-geared model” of language development in a child.
Greenspan and Shanker’s “nurture-geared model” of language development emphasizes that social interactions and emotional connections with caregivers are crucial for language acquisition, suggesting that meaningful, emotionally rich experiences shape a child’s communication skills rather than relying solely on innate abilities.
What are the 3 streams of thought regarding attachment theory?
- John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory
- Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation
- Internal Working Models
Briefly outline John Bowlby’s contributions to attachment theory.
John Bowlby contributed to attachment theory by proposing that attachment behaviors are biologically programmed for survival, outlining stages of attachment development, emphasizing the impact of early relationships on emotional and social growth, and introducing the concept of internal working models that influence future relationships.
