Kathleen Stassen Berger Prepared by Madeleine Lacefield Tattoon, M.A. 1 Part I Heredity and Environment Chapter Two What Theories Do Grand Theories Emergent Theories What Theories Contribute

2 What Theories Do developmental theories –a systematic statement of principles and generalizations that provides a coherent framework for understanding how and why people change as they grow older lead to pivotal hypotheses generate discover offer practical guidance

3 What Theories Do GrandTheories –describe universal processes and development throughout the entire life span –offers a framework for interpreting and understanding…change and development of all individuals –some are emergent theories – new systematic and comprehensive theories of the future

4 Grand Theories Psychoanalytic Behaviorism (learning theory) Cognitive

5 Psychoanalytic Theory Holds that irrational, unconscious drives and motives, often originating in childhood, underlies human behavior

6 Psychoanalytic Theory Freud –development in the first six years has three stages, each characterized by sexual pleasure… –infancy – the mouth – the oral stage –early childhood – the anus – the anal stage –preschool years – the penis – the phallic stage

7 Psychoanalytic Theory Erikson – Eight developmental stages 1.Trust vs. Mistrust 2.Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt 3.Initiative vs. Guilt 4.Industry vs. Inferiority 5.Identity vs. Role Confusion 6.Intimacy vs. Isolation 7.Generativity vs. Stagnation 8.Integrity vs. Despair

8 Behaviorism Theory Watson 1878 – 1958 –emphasis on actions Examine what can be seen and measured all behavior is learned specific laws of learning applyspecific laws learning apply to conditioningconditioning

9 Behaviorism Theory Law of Behavior - Learning Theories –…all behavior is learned step by step Conditioning Classical conditioning - respondent conditioning Operant conditioning - instrumental conditioning Reinforcement

10 Behaviorism Theory Social Learning Theory – emphasizes the influence that other people have over a person’s behavior Modeling –The process by which a person observes the actions of others and then copies them

11 Cognitive Theory The third grand theory –emphasized the structure and development of thought processes

12 Cognitive Theory Jean Piaget’s 4 Stages –sensorimotor –preoperational –concrete operational –formal operational

13 Cognitive Theory Cognitive equilibrium—state of mental balance. –Assimilation: incorporate new events into existing schemasAssimilation: –Accommodation: change schema

14 Emergent Theories …multicultural and multidisciplinary, developed not only by men of European ancestry but also by many non- Western, non-White, and female scientists…

15 Sociocultural Theory an emergent theory that holds that development results from the dynamic interaction between each person and the surrounding social and cultural forces Lev Vygotsky

16 Sociocultural Theory Cultural Variation –adult responses are shaped by culture –society provides not only customs but also the tools and theories Guided Participation –a technique in which skilled mentors help novices lean not only by providing instruction, but also by allowing direct, shared involvement in the activity

17 Sociocultural Theory Zone of proximal development –skills, knowledge, and concepts that the learner is close to acquiring but cannot master without help

18 Zone of proximal development

19 Epigenetic Theory Considers both the genetic origins of behavior (within each person and within each species) and the direct, systematic influences that environmental forces have over time on genes

20 Genetic Adaptation Selective Adaptation –the process by which humans and other organisms gradually adjust to their environment –genes for the traits that are most useful will become more frequent, thus making survival of species more likely.

21 What Theories Contribute Psychoanalytic theory has made us aware of the importance of early childhood experiences. Behaviorism has shown effect of the immediate environment on learning. Cognitive theory shows how intellectual process and thinking affect actions. Sociocultural theory has reminded us of the importance of culture in learning. Epigenetic theory reminds us of the power of genes and their interaction with the environment.

22 The Nature-Nurture Controversy Nature –The genes that people inherit Nurture –To all the environmental influences

23 The Nature-Nurture Controversy Nature and Nurture Always interact –Heredity vs. Environment How much of any characteristic, behavior, or pattern of development is the result of genes and how much is the result of experience?

24 Theoretical Perspectives on… Hyperactivity –Nature They are usually boys who have male relatives with the same problem They are overactive in every context, home as well as school They are often calmed by stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, and even coffee –Nurture The rapid increase in ADHA (from 1 to 5 percent of all U.S. children within the past 50 years) cannot be genetic, since selective adaptation takes centuries Many environmental factors correlate with ADHD, including crowded homes, television, lead, food additives, and rigid teaching

25 Theoretical Perspectives on… Homosexuality –Nature vs. Nurture Children raised by homosexual couples (either adopted or the biological offspring of one of the parents) become heterosexual or homosexual in about the same proportions as children raised by heterosexual and do not seem particularly rebellious or emotionally disturbed.

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