Theories (W2, L3) Flashcards
What are the stages of development according to Freud?
Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital
Freud’s theory includes five stages, each characterized by different conflicts and behaviors.
What are the components of Freud’s personality structure?
ID, Ego, Superego
These components interact to shape human behavior and personality.
What is Erikson’s perspective on development?
focuses on the lifespan and how individuals navigate psychosocial crises at different stages, from infancy to old age, shaping their personality and sense of self
Similar to Freud, Erikson emphasizes distinct stages of development.
What are the strengths of Erikson’s theory?
Wider view of development, considers both nature and nurture
Erikson’s approach is comprehensive and integrates various influences.
What are the limitations of Erikson’s theory?
Vague, difficult to test, more descriptive than explanatory
This limits the empirical validation of his theory.
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association (e.g., Little Albert study)
This involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
What does John B. Watson’s behaviorism emphasize?
Experiences shape development, background doesn’t matter
Watson claimed he could mold a child’s future regardless of their background.
What is operant conditioning?
Behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments
B.F. Skinner’s theory focuses on the consequences of behavior.
What is social cognitive theory?
Learning through modeling and vicarious reinforcement
This theory emphasizes that individuals can learn by observing others.
What are the strengths of learning theories?
- Testable
- Simple mechanisms
- Principles apply across lifespan
Learning theories provide clear and actionable insights into behavior.
What are the limitations of learning theories?
- May undervalue nature
- Incomplete understanding of developmental change
These limitations suggest a need for a more holistic view of development.
What is self-actualization?
Innate human need to reach one’s full potential
This concept is central to humanistic psychology.
What are the strengths of humanistic theories?
- Focus on psychological wellness
- Emphasizes positive dimensions of life
Humanistic theories contribute to the foundation of positive psychology.
What are the limitations of humanistic theories?
- Concepts are broad and hard to measure
- Questions of universality vs. context specificity
These issues can complicate the application of humanistic principles.
What is Piaget’s view on cognitive development?
Stage-based theory, not a blank slate
Piaget argued that children come with innate knowledge that develops through stages.
What does Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory emphasize?
Advancement through interaction with skilled individuals
This theory highlights the role of social context in cognitive development.
What is the information processing approach?
Uses a computer metaphor for cognitive development
This approach suggests that cognitive abilities improve with age as connections are refined.
What are the strengths of cognitive theories?
- Testable
- Well researched
- Contributes to education and parenting
Cognitive theories provide valuable insights that inform practical applications.
What are the limitations of cognitive theories?
- Little consideration of motivation/emotion
- Piaget underestimated abilities at various ages
These limitations suggest areas for further research and exploration.
What do systems theories argue regarding development?
Development arises from interrelationships between the organism and its environment
This perspective emphasizes the dynamic nature of development.
What is Gottlieb’s epigenetic psychobiological systems perspective?
Biological and environmental forces interact as part of a larger system
This perspective considers both genetic and environmental influences on development.
What are the strengths of systems theory?
- Comprehensive view of development
- Focus on individual-environment transactions
Systems theory allows for a broader understanding of developmental processes.
What are the limitations of systems theory?
- Partially formulated and tested
- Difficult to establish coherent theories
These limitations can hinder the practical application of systems theory.
How can comparative and cross-cultural perspectives inform developmental psychology?
By examining behaviors and developmental trajectories in other animals
This approach helps in understanding the universality and variability of developmental processes.
What behaviors do monkeys exhibit that relate to fairness?
Acts of fairness and equity
This suggests that concepts of fairness may not be exclusive to humans.
True or False: Learning theories primarily emphasize nature over nurture.
False
Learning theories generally prioritize nurture in shaping development.
