Every human is guided by some set of basic assumptions about how human development and why they do develop a certain way. Theories of human development can be grouped into even categories based on assumptions made. Learning theories emphasize the role of environment more than the role of biology in development says Watson, Skinner, and Bandura (pg. 55). Parents who go by the learning theory tend to be trainers which assumes they will not develop properly. Another theory is what Piaget came up with which was called cognitive theory in other words constructivism. He believes that children find new solutions or understandings by there own experiences over time. Then we have Erikson's theory where he believes in the psychosocial stages which every human experiences. Freud: psychoanalytic theory covers a lot such as strengths and weaknesses, defensive mechanisms, ego, superego, and psychosexual development which all those play significant roles in human development. Finally, if parents adopt a systems of theories of development they become partners with their children. In this case, the children are influencing the parents as well as the parents influencing the children.
Finding out theories of human development can be interesting yet very necessary for people to get to understand. Definitely as a future parent. I think it can open ones eyes to what they can do to benefit themselves and family members around them. Personally, I would find pieces of all the theories and hopefully that will give me that partnership for me and my future children.
I agree that is really takes a mix of a few of these theory's to create a well rounded view of how humans develop. I believe if used correctly the learning theory can be affective, but I do see your point that it can create a trainer/trainee situation. If you use it to set expectations about behavior it can be a great tool. Best example I have is the first time my daughter used the toilet for the first time on her own we made a huge deal over it to reinforce that she went by herself. We continued congratulating her over the course of the week to make going to the bathroom a positive experience. This conditioned her to enjoy the experience and choose to use the toilet rather than her diaper. The power of positive reinforcement saved me from having to change a dirty diaper ever again, and that is a fantastic thing.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Joey.
ReplyDeleteLet me begin by stating that I am not a psychology major, and that I am only learning and looking for clarification in your statements. I don't see the associations to the claims you make. I think you make quite a leap in your introduction stating that, "Theories of human development can be grouped into even categories based on assumptions made." I'm not sure how you would determine the even grouping, or what quantitative measures you would use to support that statement. I simply have a hard time visualizing this concept. I think that everyone has different opinions and beliefs, and that every human places different values on the various aspects of human development throughout their lives.
Based on the readings in our text, I also don't see the correlation of Watson, Skinner, and Bandura's theories emphasizing more environment then biology. I see how Watson and Skinner are closely related through conditioning, but Bandura was more focused on social observation.
Could somebody please briefly fill in the gaps for me on this?