Theories in Child Development

Introduction

• Overview of various theories in child development.
• Importance of revisiting these theorists as they help explain human behavior.

Understanding Theory

• Definition: A theory is an explanation or generalization of phenomena, similar to gravity.
• Challenges in creating a unified theory of child development due to human complexity.
• Comparison to blind individuals describing an elephant based on limited perspectives.

Multidisciplinary Approach

• Best research involves collaboration across fields (linguistics, neuroscience, health).
• Aim: Identify patterns in development and formulate explanations.
• Importance of multicultural perspectives in research.

Key Themes in Childhood Development

• Shape of Development: Debate between discrete steps (stairs) vs. gradual change (ramp).
• Timing: Critical and sensitive periods in development (e.g., forming attachments).
• Source of Development: Nature (heredity) vs. nurture (environment).

Major Theoretical Areas

1. Ethology

• Focus on inherited behaviors from evolutionary history (Darwin).
• Sociobiology examines how social behaviors aid survival.

2. Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

• Proposed three elements of personality:
  • Id: Basic desires and instincts (the baby self).
  • Superego: Moral constraints learned from society.
  • Ego: Balances needs and societal rules.
• Developmental stages include:
  • Oral, anal, phallic phases.
  • Notable for the concept of penis envy.

3. Erikson's Psychosocial Development

• Identity and social bonding through eight stages of development.
• Emphasis on trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame, etc.
• Sequential model where earlier stages must be resolved to progress.

4. Behaviorism

• Classical Conditioning (Pavlov, Little Albert experiment): Conditioning responses through stimuli.
• Operant Conditioning (Skinner): Modifying behavior using reinforcers and punishers.
  • Positive/negative reinforcement increases behavior.
  • Punishment decreases behavior.

5. Bandura's Social Learning Theory

• Emphasizes learning through observation and modeling.
• Introduced the concept of self-efficacy, influencing motivation and learning.

6. Information Processing Model

• Compares brain function to computers.
• Information moves from sensory memory to working memory and finally to long-term memory.
• Incremental learning process.

7. Piaget's Cognitive Development

• Stages of cognitive growth from concrete to abstract reasoning.
• Emphasized sequential progression through developmental stages.

8. Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory

• Learning is a social process guided by more knowledgeable others.
• Introduced the concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD).
• Importance of cultural and psychological tools in learning.

9. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

• Development must be studied in context; various systems influence behavior.
• Systems range from immediate family to broader societal influences.

Conclusion

• Reflect on a personal developmental change for discussion.
• Utilize terminology from the theories to articulate personal experiences.