While all major developmental theories attempt to explain the growth of individuals, each theory has a slightly different perspective. Some theories emphasize environmental (nurture) more than biological (nature) influences. Some theories focus on a particular construct (e.g., cognition), while others emphasize the impact of age range in shaping development. Piaget's cognitive developmental theory emphasizes fixed stages during which the mind's capacities allow an individual to learn about the world. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, on the other hand, is not stage-based and describes growth as an interaction between the individual and his or her environment.
Contemporary theories (e.g., Langer's theory of mindfulness) typically build upon the foundation generated by earlier theories. Langer's theory of mindfulness contains similarities to classical theories, such as Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, in that they both agree that development is contextual and the organism is an active "mindful" participant. Langer took Vygotsky's theory to a new level, focusing specifically on education and the learner. Other contemporary theories include neo-Piagetian cognitive developmental theories, which attempt to address the limitations found within Piaget's classical theory. Robbie Case, Andreas Demetriou, and Kurt Fischer proposed theories that were extensions of Piaget's theory. These theorists added concepts that expanded on cognitive functioning within the stages of development. Most developmental psychologists today do not believe that a single perspective or theory can sufficiently explain lifespan development; rather, an eclectic approach accounts for development better.
For this Discussion, you will examine classical and contemporary developmental theories as they relate to current applications in developmental psychology.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the course text and other Learning Resources related to mid-20th-century theories and recent theoretical perspectives
Select two theories from the following list, one from each column (classical, contemporary), that examine the same developmental processes (i.e., cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional).
Classical TheoriesContemporary Theories
Psychoanalytic/Psychosexual
Psychosocial
Behaviorism/Learning
Social Learning
Cognitive-Developmental
Information Processing
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
Ethology/Evolutionary Developmental
Sociocultural
Systems Theory
By Day 4
Post a brief description of the two theories you selected (one classical and one contemporary). Contrast the theories you selected. Specifically, identify important similarities and differences, including an explanation of the strengths and limitations of each theory in explaining developmental processes (i.e., cognitive, physical, and social-emotional).
Note:
Your descriptions should be in paragraph form, not bullet points. Use your Learning Resources and/or other scholarly sources to suppo ...
While all major developmental theories attempt to explain the gr
1. While all major developmental theories attempt to explain the
growth of individuals, each theory has a slightly different
perspective. Some theories emphasize environmental (nurture)
more than biological (nature) influences. Some theories focus
on a particular construct (e.g., cognition), while others
emphasize the impact of age range in shaping development.
Piaget's cognitive developmental theory emphasizes fixed stages
during which the mind's capacities allow an individual to learn
about the world. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, on the other
hand, is not stage-based and describes growth as an interaction
between the individual and his or her environment.
Contemporary theories (e.g., Langer's theory of mindfulness)
typically build upon the foundation generated by earlier
theories. Langer's theory of mindfulness contains similarities to
classical theories, such as Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, in
that they both agree that development is contextual and the
organism is an active "mindful" participant. Langer took
Vygotsky's theory to a new level, focusing specifically on
education and the learner. Other contemporary theories include
neo-Piagetian cognitive developmental theories, which attempt
to address the limitations found within Piaget's classical theory.
Robbie Case, Andreas Demetriou, and Kurt Fischer proposed
theories that were extensions of Piaget's theory. These theorists
added concepts that expanded on cognitive functioning within
the stages of development. Most developmental psychologists
today do not believe that a single perspective or theory can
sufficiently explain lifespan development; rather, an eclectic
approach accounts for development better.
For this Discussion, you will examine classical and
contemporary developmental theories as they relate to current
applications in developmental psychology.
2. To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the course text and other Learning Resources related to
mid-20th-century theories and recent theoretical perspectives
Select two theories from the following list, one from each
column (classical, contemporary), that examine the same
developmental processes (i.e., cognitive, physical, and/or
social-emotional).
Classical TheoriesContemporary Theories
Psychoanalytic/Psychosexual
Psychosocial
Behaviorism/Learning
Social Learning
Cognitive-Developmental
Information Processing
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
Ethology/Evolutionary Developmental
Sociocultural
Systems Theory
3. By Day 4
Post a brief description of the two theories you selected (one
classical and one contemporary). Contrast the theories you
selected. Specifically, identify important similarities and
differences, including an explanation of the strengths and
limitations of each theory in explaining developmental
processes (i.e., cognitive, physical, and social-emotional).
Note:
Your descriptions should be in paragraph form, not bullet
points. Use your Learning Resources and/or other scholarly
sources to support your post. Use proper APA format and
citations.
