Scientific inquiry
Problem solving that uses observation to describe what happens and theory to explain how/why it happens
Human development
The study of the patterns and change, as well as the process of patterns and change’ during the lifespan
What is the direction of change in human development?
Simple to more complex
Define a theory
Logical concepts that are used to explain observations and contribute to the collection of knowledge
*account for the change taking place in the context of a changing environment
Theory vs Statement vs Facts
Theories have to have extensive evidence to back them
Statements explain observations but doesn’t NEED evidence
Facts inspire research and are explained by theories but cannot be changed by theories
Components of a good theory
- Assumption with logic
- Specific domain
- Range of applicability
- Constructs
- unobservable but measurable - Hypothesis
Components of a good theory
- Assumption with logic
- Specific domain
- Range of applicability
- Constructs
- unobservable but measurable - Hypothesis
Requirements of a good theory
- Logical
- Internally consistent
- Parsimonious
- simple explanation of development - Testable
- Integrates old research
- prove contribution through connections
What should a theory of human development provide?
- What is the direction and area of change over the lifespan?
- What mechanisms account for growth?
- What is the relevance of early experiences?
- How do environmental and societal contexts affect development?
- What factors will place a person at risk at specific periods in their life?
- What are the implications for society and how does the theory inform/shape the practice?
canalization vs plasticity
Canalization is the process of early experience shaping behaviour
Plasticity is the ability to adapt and the flexibility of animals at the psychological level
Is change qualitative or quantitative ?
Both, change needs to explain both and how they’re integrated
Vocabulary development
3 dynamic systems of human development
- Psychological
- learning
- emotions - Biological
- genetics - Social
-culture
Nature vs nurture
Nature consists of genetics and biological factors
Nurture consists of environmental influences on evelopment
Nature vs nurture
Nature consists of genetics and biological factors
Nurture consists of environmental influences on evelopment
