ASSIGNMENT #1:_THEMES IN DEVELOPMENT_____
Review the following theoretical perspectives on development: psychodynamic theories (e.g.,
Freud), psychosocial theories (e.g., Erikson), behaviorist (learning) theories (e.g., Watson, Skinner), social learning theories (e.g., Bandura), cognitive developmental theories (e.g., Piaget), information-processing theories (e.g., Siegler), and bioecological theories (Bronfenbrenner). Question 1: Which theory or theories focus more on the importance of nature than nurture? Which theory or theories take a strong position that nurture is more important than nature?
The humanistic theory argues that people have the natural ability to discern information and make decisions regarding their behavioral actions and lives. The humanistic theory also places an emphasis one a person’s natural desire to live their lives freely and to their full potential.
Question 2: Which theory or theories focus on the universality of development more than diversity of individuals?
The contextual theory takes into consideration the relationship that is developed as an individual grows physically, cognitively, socially, and personally. The bioecological theory places an emphasis on the connection between human development and the impact of cultural influences throughout the growing process. The sociocultural theory places an emphasis on the impact of social interactions within a culture and how those interactions influence a person’s cognitive development.
Question 3: Which theory or theories focus more on qualitative change than on quantitative change?
The cognitive theory explains the mechanics and process by which an infant and child develops into a person that exhibits appropriate reasoning skills, making this a change focused on qualitative measures. However, Piaget believed that cognitive development
References: Broderick, P., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The Life Span: Human Development for Helping Professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson