The Importance of Theory and Research in Child Development
The Importance of Theory and Research in Child Development
JoLinda Freeman
PSY104 Child and Adolescent Development
Instructor Mark Kavanaugh
April 4, 2015
The Importance of Theory and Research in Child Development In order for us to understand how a child develops we must conduct research on theories that we believe and others believe to be true. When we do understand the development of children we will be able to understand the skills and behaviors of children. This will help us to understand why they will not eat certain foods or how children of different ages react differently to certain things.
In the early 20th century many theories were put forward to help explain why and how children develop. A theorist who played a major influence in how we understand children was Jean Piaget. According to Mossler (2014) “While administering Binet’s intelligence test to Parisian schoolchildren, he became fascinated by children’s incorrect answers. After many years of observing the mental limitations of children, including his own, Piaget came to the conclusion that children of different ages think differently.” (p. 16)
When an individual says the phrase “I did that with my children and it worked fine for them,” I believe that they are trying to get the other individual to do what they did with their children. Whether they are explaining to them how they punished their children or how they made it easier for them to learn something. This statement is not true in all cases. How one child understands and learns can be different than how another child understands and learns. For example, growing up my parents would punish me by spanking me, by doing this I learned that what I was doing was wrong. In order to teach me something new, my parents would show me how to do it once and then let me try it. This method of teaching has always worked with me but with my little sister, she had to study it a few times before she got the hang of it.
It is important to
JoLinda Freeman
PSY104 Child and Adolescent Development
Instructor Mark Kavanaugh
April 4, 2015
The Importance of Theory and Research in Child Development In order for us to understand how a child develops we must conduct research on theories that we believe and others believe to be true. When we do understand the development of children we will be able to understand the skills and behaviors of children. This will help us to understand why they will not eat certain foods or how children of different ages react differently to certain things.
In the early 20th century many theories were put forward to help explain why and how children develop. A theorist who played a major influence in how we understand children was Jean Piaget. According to Mossler (2014) “While administering Binet’s intelligence test to Parisian schoolchildren, he became fascinated by children’s incorrect answers. After many years of observing the mental limitations of children, including his own, Piaget came to the conclusion that children of different ages think differently.” (p. 16)
When an individual says the phrase “I did that with my children and it worked fine for them,” I believe that they are trying to get the other individual to do what they did with their children. Whether they are explaining to them how they punished their children or how they made it easier for them to learn something. This statement is not true in all cases. How one child understands and learns can be different than how another child understands and learns. For example, growing up my parents would punish me by spanking me, by doing this I learned that what I was doing was wrong. In order to teach me something new, my parents would show me how to do it once and then let me try it. This method of teaching has always worked with me but with my little sister, she had to study it a few times before she got the hang of it.
It is important to
References: Boundless. “Piaget 's Theory of Cognitive Development.” Boundless Psychology. Boundless, 27 Jun. 2014. Retrieved 05 Apr. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/human-development-14/theories-of-human-development-70/piaget-s-theory-of-cognitive-development-270-12805/ Mossler, R. (2nd ed.). (2014). Child and Adolescent Development. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. Virginia Department of Social Services. (2004). Competencies for early childhood professionals’ area II: Understanding child growth and development. Retrieved from http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/cc/provider_training_development/intro_page/publications/competencies/chapters_individually/04.pdf