Seven Developmental Theories Outline

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1. Biological theories focus on how genetics and physiology contribute to development of infants and young children. Theorists place strong emphasis on the maturity level of the human body during this process. What this means is that children walk when they are suppose to and puberty happens when nature tells it to. The timing of these two things happening is different but most always happens. Childrens’ natural tendencies play a huge role in the biology. These traits are passed on from generation to generation. The tendencies of being able to adapt to caregivers or even being strong and fast enough to runaway from predators or enemies like back in the Stone Age. 2. Behaviorism and social learning is the process where nurture, or changes caused by someones surroundings or environment. Thus meaning that people will strive or do good for rewards such as food, praise, physical contact. Which most people try to avoid actions that would cause them to receive punishment. Also children learn emotional responses through good or bad experiences, such as being afraid of dogs. Social learning theorists believe children’s goals or beliefs play an important role in their actions. What they are saying is that children no the consequences of their actions good or bad even before they do anything. 3. Psychodynamic theories are a mixture of inborn traits and the environment in which they live. Early experiences play a critical part in the future of children. Sigmund Freud believed that children are always at war with their inner being do to sexual and aggressive impulses. Theorists also believe that when children grow when they are able to resolve the inner conflicts. This makes them more self aware of who they really are. Being able to control the impulses in an appropriate manner. 4. Cognitive development emphasizes the thinking process and how it
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