Theory Overview

Question 1

How does developmental theory help organize facts?

Answer 1

• A theory gives meaning to facts
• Saves us from “information overload” (e.g., defense mechanisms covers a range of behaviors)
• Provides a framework for integrating new information

Question 2

How does developmental theory guide research?

Answer 2

• Heuristic device to guide observation and generate new information
• May cause us to reexamine familiar behaviors (e.g., using a different perspective from Piaget to examine infants)
• Dual role of a stimulator and interpreter

Question 3

What is the nature-nurture controversy?

Answer 3

• How knowledge/behavior arise from one’s genetic endowment and physical maturation and from experience in the world
• Today: Nature and nurture are inextricably intertwined - both nature and nurtureare fully involved in the development of any behavior
• “What are the environmental triggers for the expression of these genes, and how do these triggers have their effect on genes?”

Question 4

What are the core issues included in all developmental theories?

Answer 4

1.What is the basic nature of humans?

2.Is development qualitative or quantitative?

3.How do nature and nurture contribute to development?

4.What is it that develops?

Question 5

What is the basic nature of humans?

Answer 5

• Theorists’ views of development are closely tied to their views of human nature
• Their views of human nature, in turn, are closely tied to their world views, or their notions about how the universe works

Question 6

Is development qualitative or quantitative?

Answer 6

• Qualitative changes typically involve changes in structure or organization
• In contrast, quantitative changes are changes in amount, frequency, or degree.
• Some trajectories are quantitative and linear, as when a child gradually acquires more words with increasing age, and some are qualitative and like stair steps, as when a child goes through stages

Question 7

What is it that develops?

Answer 7

What theorists see as the essence of development depends on where their theoretical assumptions and methods of study place them along several dimensions:

1. Level of analysis
2. Whether they focus on structure or process
3. What content they emphasize
4. Whether they emphasize overt behavior or covert thought/personality
5. What methodology they use

Question 8

How do ancient and indigenous perspective compare to Western ideas about development?

Answer 8

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Question 9

Developmental Theory

Answer 9

1. A developmental theory describes changes over time in one or several areas of behavior or psychological activity, such as thought, language, social behavior,or perception
2. To describe changes over time in the relations among behaviors or aspects of psychological activity within one area of development and, ideally, among several areas of development
3. To explain the course of development that the other two tasks describe