Overview
This lecture introduces key developmental psychology theories, explaining how each would interpret young Timmy's behavior while highlighting their main principles, strengths, and weaknesses.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
- Developmental psychologists study changes in behavior throughout the lifespan.
- Theories help explain behaviors by focusing on age, relationships, learned behaviors, and personality.
Psychoanalytic Theory
- Psychoanalytic theory focuses on unconscious motivations and early experiences.
- Sigmund Freud developed the psychosexual theory; Erik Erikson developed psychosocial stages.
- Strength: Recognizes unconscious motives and early childhood importance.
- Weakness: Lacks empirical evidence and is hard to test scientifically.
- Example: Timmy seeks independence, fitting typical developmental stages.
Learning Theories
- Learning theories examine how behavior is acquired through experiences.
- Ivan Pavlov proposed classical conditioning (learning by association).
- B.F. Skinner introduced operant conditioning (reinforcement and punishment shape behavior).
- Albert Bandura’s social learning theory highlights behavior modeling and observation.
- Strength: Easily tested and practically applied.
- Weakness: Overlooks genetic and lifespan developmental factors.
- Example: Timmy’s behavior is a learned response reinforced by his mother’s attention.
Cognitive Development Theories
- Cognitive development theories study how thinking progresses with age.
- Jean Piaget proposed stages describing children's intellectual development.
- Strength: Supported by research, influential in education and parenting.
- Weakness: Limited focus on emotional development.
- Example: Timmy’s egocentric world view leads him to insist on independence in tasks.
Systems Theories
- Systems theories explore the interaction of biological and environmental factors.
- Evolutionary developmental psychology applies evolutionary principles to development.
- Gilbert Gottlieb’s epigenetic psychobiological systems perspective emphasizes biology-environment interaction.
- Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory describes layered environmental influences.
- Strength: Highlights complex interactions influencing development.
- Weakness: Difficult to test due to complexity.
- Example: Timmy’s behavior may result from anxiety when his father is away, seeking attention from his mother.
Summary of Theories’ Application
- Different theories provide multiple perspectives on explaining and guiding child behavior.
- Choosing a theory can help caregivers support positive development.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Psychoanalytic Theory — Focuses on unconscious motives and early experiences.
- Classical Conditioning — Learning by association (Pavlov).
- Operant Conditioning — Learning through reinforcement and punishment (Skinner).
- Social Learning Theory — Learning by observing others (Bandura).
- Cognitive Development Theory — Explains changes in thinking and understanding (Piaget).
- Systems Theory — Considers biological and environmental interactions in development.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes on developmental theories.
- Prepare for discussion: Consider which theory best explains a child’s behavior scenario.
- Read textbook chapters on Freud, Piaget, and Bronfenbrenner.