Developmental Theories; Behaviorism; & Nature vs. Nurture

Q1. Define developmental theory, and describe how developmental theories help explain human behavior and development, noting the differences among grand theories, minitheories, and emergent theories.

Q2: Discuss the major focus of behaviorism, and explain the basic principles of classical and operant conditioning.

Q3: Explain the nature-nurture controversy as is pertains to human development.

Q4: Describe the process of conception and the first hours of development of the zygote.

Q5: Describe four situations in which couples should seek genetic testing and counseling.
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Child Growth and Development

Q1. Define developmental theory, and describe how developmental theories help explain human behavior and development, noting the differences among grand theories, minitheories, and emergent theories.

Developmental theories are those that explain how and why human beings develop the way they do and attempt to predict how human beings will react in certain situations with certain variables present. Any theory consists of hypotheses – – or assumptions that can be tested to determine their accuracy. Once an assumption has been proven and supported by solid evidence, it becomes a new theory. Since researchers use theories as tools to guide them in their research and observations, theories can be considered the basis for all research.

There are six major theoretical approaches to the study of human development.

1. Psychodynamic Perspective (Psychoanalytic) – – based on inner conflicts and how these conflicts affect our development. Sigmund Freud (focused on the constant struggle between the Id, Ego, and Superego) and Erik Erikson (focused on personality development; individuals’ progress through eight stages of psychosocial development).
2. Cognitive Perspective (Cognitive Developmental Theory and Information Processing Theory) – – Cognitive Developmental Theory was advanced by Jean Piaget who claimed that cognitive thought develops in four different stages and each stage represents a different mode from which we view our world. Information Processing Theory was advanced by the …