2.2 Contemporary Theories on Development
Learning Objectives
- Identify major contemporary theories focusing on lifespan development
- Explain Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory
As you previously read, there are several meta-theories that underly developmental psychology. These meta-theories are general assumptions that people hold about the nature of humans and the meaning of development, and they influence nearly everything about the field. Meta-theories shape the theories a researcher uses which shapes how one views development. Developmental psychology relies on a systematic approach to understanding behavior, based on observable events and the scientific method. There are so many different observations about childhood, adulthood, and development in general that we use theories to help organize all of the different observable events or variables. A theory is a simplified explanation of the world that attempts to explain how variables interact with each other. It can take complex, interconnected issues and narrow it down to the essentials. This enables developmental theorists and researchers to analyze the problem in greater depth.
People who study lifespan development approach it from different perspectives. Each perspective encompasses one or more theories—the broad, organized explanations and predictions concerning phenomena of interest. Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about human growth, development, and learning. If you have ever wondered about what motivates human thought and behavior, understanding these theories can provide useful insight into individuals and society.
You may be familiar with certain theories of developmental psychology already: Jean Piaget’s theory is one of the most influential in cognitive development, Lev Vygotsky’s theory emphasizes the importance of culture and interaction in the development of cognitive abilities, and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory presents eight developmental stages that encompass the entire lifespan. We will discuss these theories in later chapters when we cover these respective domains of development. Here, we will discuss major theoretical frameworks for studying development that apply to several domains.
Learning Theory
Also known as behaviorism, is based on the premise that it is not possible to objectively study the mind, and therefore psychologists should limit their attention to the study of behavior itself. The most famous behaviorist was Burrhus Frederick (B. F.) Skinner (1904–1990), who expanded the principles of behaviorism and also brought them to the attention of the public at large. Skinner used the ideas of stimulus and response, along with the application of rewards or reinforcements, to train pigeons and other animals. In addition, he used the general principles of behaviorism to develop theories about how best to teach children and how to create societies that were peaceful and productive (Skinner, 1957, 1968, 1972).
The behaviorists made subst