Point

1. 358 UNIT V / Life Span Development
In contrast to Skinner’s “operant conditioning,” Alfred Ban-
dura believes that learning occurs through imitation and practice
and requires more awareness, self-motivation, and self-regulation
of the individual. In Bandura’s “social learning theory,” the indi-
vidual actively interacts with the environment to learn new skills
and behaviors.
Ecologic Theory
(Bronfenbrenner—1917–present)
Bronfenbrenner established the ecologic theory of development.
He views the child as interacting with the environment at differ-
ent levels, or systems. Urie Bronfenbrenner believes each child
brings a unique set of genes—and specific attributes such as age,
gender, health, and other characteristics—to his or her interac-
tions with the environment. The child interacts in many settings
at different levels or systems (Ball & Bindler, 2006, p. 141).
There are five levels or systems in the ecologic theory. The
microsystem includes close relationships the child has on a
daily basis (e.g., home, school, friends). The mesosystem level
includes relationships of microsystems with one another. For
example, two common microsystems for children are home and
school. The exosystem includes those settings that may influ-
ence the child but with which the child does not have daily con-
tact (e.g., parent’s job, local school board). The macrosystem
level includes attitudes and beliefs of the child’s culture. And
the chronosystem involves the time period in which the child is
growing up as it influences views of health and illness.
CONCEPT MAP Overview of Growth and Development Theories and Theorists
Piaget
Biophysical
Gesell
Development
is a maturational
process that
occurs on a set
"time-table"
Behaviorism
Skinner
theory
theory theory theory
theory
Stimulus-response
behavior; rewards
reinforce positive
behavior
Cognitive
Development
5 major phases:
• Sensorimotor
• Preconceptual
• Intuitive
• Concrete operations
• Formal operations
Social Learning
Bandura
Individual learns
through imitation
and practice;
self-regulation,
self-efficacy
are important
Ecologic
Bronfenbrenner
Views the child as
interacting with
the environment
at different levels
or systems:
• Microsystem
• Mesosystem
• Exosystem
• Macrosystem
• Chronosystem
Growth and Development
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