PWP 1: Theories
lifespan development
The study of the ways in which people grow and change across the life span; includes people's biological, cognitive, psychological, and social functioning
Cohort
a group of people born at around the same time in the same place
Freud: Psychosexual development
a series of stages children pass through in which pleasure focuses on a specific biological function or body part
Critical periods
a specific time during development when a particular event has its greatest consequence
classical conditioning
an individual comes to associate environmental stimuli with physiological responses. ex/ Pavlov and the salivating dogs; fears/emotional associations
Behaviorism
as an answer to psychoanalytic theories, behaviorists argued for the importance of studying human behavior with measurable observables rather than thoughts and emotions. Behaviorists study only observable behavior and believe that all behavior is influenced by the physical and social environment.
operant conditioning
behavior becomes more or less probable depending on its consequences. ex/ rewarded behaviors are more likely to occur; punished behaviors are less likely to occur. Helps explain the learning of skills and habits.
history-graded influences
biological and environmental influences associated with a particular historical moment
age-graded influences
biological and environmental influences that are similar for individuals in a particular age group regardless of when or where they are raised
Continuous change
change happens gradually, and achievements at one level build on those of previous levels
Discontinuous change
change that happens in distinct steps or stages, with each stage bringing about behavior that is believed to be qualitatively different from behavior at earlier stages ex/ Piaget's theory
Nurture
environmental factors- places emphasis of study on environmental influences that affect a person's development
Nature
genetic factors- places emphasis of study on discovering inherited genetic traits and abilities
Freud: What 3 components of personality motivate behavior
id, ego, superego
reciprocal determinism
individuals and the environment interact and influence each other- a complex interplay between the individual's behavior, emotional and cognitive abilities, and the environment
Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Systems Theory
refer to powerpoint
sociocultural-graded influences
the social and cultural factors present at a particular time for a particular individual. Factors can be race, gender, ethnicity, and social class
Sensitive periods
times in development when a person is particularly open to certain kinds of experiences that may not always have a consequence
non-normative life events
traumatic experiences, events, etc. occurring at an unusual point within the lifespan
Social Learning Theory
Bandura. Emphasizes role of internal processes and emotions in development. Argues that the physical and social environment influence an individual's thoughts and feelings, which influence behavior.
Erikson Theory
Erikson's "Eight Stages of Man" describes a series of crises individuals pass through at different ages. The stages begin in infancy and continue through a series of paired outcomes for each age through older adulthood.
3 types of traditions conceptualizing the life course
Hindus, Solon (Ancient Greece), and the Jewish Talmud
Freud theory
Psychodynamic perspective- behavior is motivated by inner forces, memories, and conflicts that are generally beyond people's awareness and control
Observational Learning
people learn from observing and imitating models
