Question

Discussion Module 2: Theories of Development

CHOOSE one theory in Chapter 2 that you believe is the most important to the study of lifespan development (there are no "right" nor "wrong" choices). In the title of your Discussion, state the name of the Theory, the name of the Theorist, and the page numbers in Chapter 2. For example: Cognitive-Development Theory, Jean Piaget, pp. 33-35

Answer 1

Cognitive-Development Theory, Jean Piaget, pp. 33-35

This was a comprehensive theory which suggested about the human intelligence and its development. This theory illustrates about the manner in which humans acquire knowledge, in which they use to construct that acquired knowledge and later use it. This theory is also referred To as the developmental stage theory. This theory states that in order to attain knowledge, a person requires to gain both maturation on a biological aspect and their environmental experiences.

According to his theory, children would be gaining an understanding about the world around them, with an experiences and understanding that there may be differences about what they already know and what they gradual understand and learn from the world. According to Piaget, cognitive development lies at the base of humans. The developmental stage theories would be dividing the development of a child in various stages, with each stage having qualitative behavior differences.

There are four stages of development, which are elaborated as follows:

1. Sensorimotor: this is the stage that ranges from birth to 24 months of age. In this stage, the child begins to learn coordination with the motor senses. Language is used for cataloguing and demands. There is development of object permanence.
2. Pre-operational: this stage extends from two years of age to 7 years of age. There is development of symbolic thinking. Along with this, there occur proper syntax usage as well as use of grammar so as to express complete concepts. There is strong imagination and intuition. Though, complex thoughts and abstract thinking is difficult. There is development of conservation.
3. Concrete operational: this stage is found at 7 to 11 years, in this stage, the child begins to attach the concrete situations to concepts. There is understanding of the time, space as well as quantity and these are applied by the child, though not as separate entities,
4. Formal operational: this is the age that is above 11 years of age. There is development of hypothetical, theoretical and counterfacial thinking. There is development of reasoning and abstract logic. The child starts to learn strategy as well as planning. When concept is learned in one context. , the child begins to apply is another context.