DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY MATRIX, PART 1
A familiarity with seminal developmental theories is important in your role as a developmental psychology professional. As you have learned this week, cognitive-stage theory describes cognitive development as occurring in universal, invariant stages. By understanding the key concepts of this theory, you can more easily recognize when this theory can be applied to understand certain behaviors and processes of development and the kinds of research that would be conducted to support that application.
Suppose, for example, you wanted to explore a contemporary research theme such as why bullying intervention programs are not always effective. Can cognitive-stage (Piagetian or neo-Piagetian) theory help explain how bullying can continue despite bullies understanding how much harm they cause? You have likely surmised that cognitive-stage theory cannot be used to adequately explain all elements and processes of human behavior and development. When you have a strong grasp of the basic tenets, strengths, and limitations of key developmental theories, you can make an informed decision as to which theory or theories best apply in understanding a particular set of behaviors. By completing a developmental theory matrix, you can document the characteristics of each theory as you learn about it. This matrix will be a useful reference for you long after you complete this course. The Developmental Theory Matrix Template provides a matrix where you can record what you have learned about each theory.
For this Assignment, you will explore key concepts found in cognitive-stage theory and begin populating your matrix with this week’s theory.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Required Readings
TO PREPARE
- Review Chapter 2 of the Miller course text and consider cognitive-stage theory, neo-Piagetian themes, and their key concepts.
- Review the Developmental Theory Matrix Template Part 1 and consider what you might include related to these cognitive theories.
TO COMPLETE
Begin populating the Developmental Theory Matrix Template related to this week’s theories—cognitive-stage theory and neo-Piagetian themes. As you begin populating your template, consider the following:
- Identify who or what contributed to the development of the theory or theme. Were there key researchers or seminal research that led to the theory?
- List the primary characteristics or features of the theory or theme (its key tenets and concepts). Be sure to include if a particular period of life is emphasized.
- List the noteworthy strengths and limitations of the theory or theme.
- Identify contemporary applications of the theory or theme.
- Record whether the theory or theme emphasizes biology (nature), environment (nurture), or both.
- Identify whether the theory or theme emphasizes cognitive, physical, or social-emotional development (or a combination of domains and if so, which ones).
- List specific ages or stages of development identified in the theory or theme, or note that the theory marks development as continuous.
- (Optional) Include any notes that you find helpful in understanding and applying the theory, such as potential contemporary themes or fields of research in which the theory could be applied.
Note: While no citations are required for this matrix, all information must be based on the content from the Learning Resources.
DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY MATRIX, PART 2
In Week 3, you began to evaluate developmental theory by charting the key concepts for the theory presented in that week. For this week, you will continue to populate the Developmental Theory Matrix Template, Part 2, and add biological approaches, particularly their approaches to attachment, to your matrix.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Required Readings
TO PREPARE
- Review Chapter 5 of the Miller course text and consider ethology and other biological approaches and their key concepts.
- Review the Thompson et al. and the Umemura et al. articles examining attachment theory and research in various contexts.
- Review the Developmental Theory Matrix Template Part 2 and consider what you might include related to ethology and other biological approaches.
TO COMPLETE
Continue populating the Developmental Theory Matrix Template related to this week’s sociocultural theory. As you continue populating your matrix, consider the following:
- Identify who or what contributed to the development of the theory or theme. Were there key researchers or seminal research that led to the theory or theme?
- List the primary characteristics or features of the theory or theme (its key tenets and concepts). Be sure to include if a particular period of life is emphasized.
- List the noteworthy strengths and limitations of the theory or theme.
- Identify contemporary applications of the theory or theme.
- Record whether the theory or theme emphasizes biology (nature), environment (nurture), or both.
- Identify whether the theory or theme emphasizes cognitive, physical, or social-emotional development (or a combination of domains and if so, which ones).
- List specific ages or stages of development identified in the theory or theme, or note that the theory marks development as continuous.
- (Optional) Include any notes that you find helpful in understanding and applying the theory, such as potential contemporary themes or fields of research in which the theory could be applied.
Note: While no citations are required for this matrix, all information must be based on the content from the Learning Resources.