What are the main approaches to explaining social development?
- Learning theories
- Social cognitive theories
- Ecological or evolutionary perspectives
These approaches explain how the environment and the child’s thinking shape development.
Learning theories view development as continuous, meaning it happens _______.
gradually over time
This contrasts with theories that suggest development occurs in clear stages.
According to learning theories, children learn through ______, ______, and ______.
- reinforcement
- punishment
- observation
These factors shape differences in behavior based on experiences and environments.
Who is associated with classical conditioning in behaviorism?
Watson
He believed that children are shaped by their environment through conditioning.
Watson’s Little Albert study demonstrated that ______ can be learned.
fear
This study showed that emotional responses are not just natural but can be conditioned.
Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning emphasizes that behavior is shaped by ______.
consequences
Behaviors are more likely to be repeated if rewarded and less likely if punished.
What is intermittent reinforcement?
Rewarding behavior only sometimes
This makes the behavior stronger and harder to extinguish.
Bandura’s social learning theory emphasizes that children can learn by ______.
observing others
This includes imitating behaviors seen in models.
The concept of reciprocal determinism suggests that ______.
children and their environment influence each other
This highlights the bidirectional relationship between a child and their surroundings.
In the Bobo doll study, children who observed aggressive behavior were more likely to ______.
imitate it
This demonstrated that children learn behaviors through observation and the consequences faced by others.
What are the strengths of learning theories?
- Explain how behavior is shaped by experience
- Connect well to parenting and education
They have led to many real-world applications.
What are the limits of learning theories?
- Focus on observable behavior
- Don’t fully account for biological influences
- Lack explanation of cognitive processes
They may overlook internal mental states.
Social cognitive theories focus on how children think about the ______.
social world
Children are seen as active participants in interpreting their experiences.
Children develop a hostile attribution bias when they assume others are being ______.
mean or aggressive
This can affect their social interactions and relationships.
What is the ethological perspective in ecological theories?
Focus on behavior from an evolutionary perspective
It emphasizes survival value and attachment behaviors.
What is imprinting?
A process where young animals form attachments during a sensitive period
This concept has been applied to human attachment as well.
According to evolutionary theories, many behaviors developed because they helped humans ______.
survive and reproduce
This includes behaviors related to caregiving and forming relationships.
What does Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model emphasize?
Interactions between the child and multiple layers of their environment
These layers include family, school, culture, and society.
What are the guidelines for screen time for children?
- Little to no screen time for infants
- Limited time for young children
- Structured limits for older children
These guidelines aim to promote healthy development.
True or false: Media violence can teach aggressive behaviors and reduce sensitivity to violence.
TRUE
It can influence behavior in various ways, including increasing aggressive thoughts.
What are the positive effects of social media for teens?
- Social support
- Connection
These benefits can be particularly significant for those who feel isolated.
Overall, social development is explained by multiple theories that highlight different aspects, including ______, ______, and ______.
- Learning theories
- Social cognitive theories
- Ecological and evolutionary theories
Development results from ongoing interactions between the child, their thoughts, and their environment.
