Theories of development Flashcards
Continuous development is…
the idea that children are just mini adults with less knowledge
In stage development is…
the idea that stages split up childhood and adulthood and that children are qualitatively different to adults
in order to become an adult, children have to undergo psychological metamorphisis
Who proposed the idea of behaviourism?
Skinner
Describe behaviourism theory
-Refers to the idea that individuals learn through the process of interacting with surrounding and the environment
-Uses reinforcement, both positive and negative
-Shaping behaviour through successive approximations
Who proposed the idea of nativism?
Noam Chomsky
Describe nativism theory
-Theory based on genetically determined behaviour
-Suggests that we were born with the knowledge of language
-Continuous development
-Deep structure that is innate and universal
Who proposed the idea of evolution and attachment?
Bowlby and Ainsworth
Describe evolution and attachment theory
-Attachment occurs naturally through the process of maturational control
-Extremely important as if it get’s interrupted then it can have detrimental effects
-If there’s long term separation during 8-9 month stage then this can delays in development
Who proposed the idea of evolution and ethology?
Konrad Lorenz
Describe evolution and ethology theory
-Imprinting is the idea that the first thing a baby animal comes into contact with after birth is something they become attached to
-Suggests that we have biological preparedness, which is skills we are both with and don’t have to learn e.g. walking
-Maturational unfolding suggests that development occurs in a certain sequence e.g. crawling to walking
Describe the theory of constructivism
-In stage development
-Knowledge comes from within an individual and not from other people
-Both nature and nurture are important
-Egocentrism occurs
