1. Social Development We clearly are not born with the social skills we have as adults. Where do these skills come from?

2. Attachment Many researchers believe the root of all social development is forming proper attachment to a primary caregiver. –Infants desire to be close to the adults around them. –Infants have a significant fear of the unknown; desire warm, soft caregivers

3. Imprinting All mammals show attachment. Imprinting is the process of forming an attachment relationship –Lorenz’s ducks –Critical Period What if there is no attachment?

4. Socialization “We’re living in a society, people!” Attachment is a first step. At some point we have to learn the rules of the society Reinforcement is a significant mechanism in socialization

5. Social Learning Theory Is reinforcement the only way we learn? SLT explains social learning through interactions with social experts (adults). –Modeling: We mimic adult behaviors –Imitation and Performance: We know how to do something; we learning from watching others when to do it

6. Cognitive Developmental Theory We are not just imitating automatons. We learn by understanding why people do the things they do. –Imitation through understanding: We imitate only once we understand a behavior –Desire for competence: We want to be participants in society.