Psychology Chapter 2: Theory and Research

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Questions and Answers

What does Freud’s psychosexual theory suggest about behavior?

Behavior is influenced by cognitive development.

Behavior is controlled by powerful unconscious urges. (correct)

Behavior occurs primarily through social interactions.

Behavior is developed through learned associations.

According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, personality development is influenced primarily by which factor?

Invariant stages of cognitive development

Biological predisposition

Societal interactions and crises (correct)

Individual learning experiences

Which perspective emphasizes that children learn by observing and imitating models?

Evolutionary theory

Behaviorism

Cognitive-stage theory

Social cognitive theory (correct)

Piaget’s cognitive-stage theory emphasizes what aspect of child development?

Qualitative changes in thought Signup and view all the answers

Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory places significant importance on which element for cognitive growth?

Social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory emphasizes the role of what in development?

Five interlocking contextual systems Signup and view all the answers

Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that human beings have what type of mechanisms?

Adaptive mechanisms for survival Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental proposition of behavioral perspectives in human development?

The environment predominantly shapes behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping development?

Psychoanalytic Perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of developmental research that is important for making cause-and-effect conclusions?

Experimental design Signup and view all the answers

Which issue relates to whether development occurs in distinct stages or gradually?

Continuous vs. Discontinuous Development Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of cross-cultural research in the study of human development?

It highlights universal aspects of development. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical concern is crucial when conducting research involving human participants?

Ensuring participants are informed about the study purpose Signup and view all the answers

Why might laboratory experiments provide less applicable results to real-life situations?

They often lack real-world context. Signup and view all the answers

What concept underlies the idea that theories in human development can evolve over time?

Adaptability to new findings Signup and view all the answers

In the study of human development, which perspective examines how individuals are shaped by their interactions with the environment?

Contextual Perspective Signup and view all the answers

What influences a theorist's assumptions in developing theories of human behavior?

Cultural and historical context Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the objectivity of developmental science is true?

Researchers are influenced by their values and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers strive for greater objectivity in their work?

By scrutinizing their assumptions and methods. Signup and view all the answers

Which fundamental question about human development reflects the theorists' assumptions?

Are people active or reactive in their development? Signup and view all the answers

What assumption was made by Charles Darwin regarding the evolution of life forms?

All life forms evolved from a single ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

Which model suggests that a loose grouping of cells led to three primary lines of descent?

A newer evolutionary research model Signup and view all the answers

In assessing conflicting theories of development, what is crucial to remember?

They reflect the theorists' personal perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the debate on whether human development is continuous or occurs in stages?

It defines how experiences are integrated into development. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Five Perspectives on Human Development

Psychoanalytic Perspective:
- Freud’s psychosexual theory posits that behavior is driven by strong unconscious desires.
- Erikson’s psychosocial theory emphasizes that personality develops through societal interactions and various crises.
Learning Perspective:
- Behaviorism (Pavlov, Skinner, Watson) asserts that behavior is shaped by the environment, emphasizing that individuals are responders to stimuli.
- Social learning theory (Bandura) highlights that children learn through observational learning and imitation, making them active participants in their own development.
Cognitive Perspective:
- Piaget’s cognitive-stage theory indicates that thought processes undergo qualitative changes from infancy to adolescence, with children as active initiators of learning.
- Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory stresses the importance of social interaction in cognitive development.
- Information-processing theory conceptualizes humans as entities that process symbols.
Contextual Perspective:
- Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory suggests that development is influenced by interactions within five interrelated contextual systems, ranging from immediate environments (microsystems) to broader societal influences (chronosystem).
Evolutionary/Sociobiological Perspective:
- Bowlby’s attachment theory points to adaptive mechanisms essential for survival, emphasizing critical periods in development and the evolution-based tendencies that influence behavior and learning.

Theoretical Issues

Active vs. Reactive Development: Explores whether individuals actively shape their development or respond passively to external influences.
Continuous vs. Discontinuous Development: Questions if development occurs gradually (continuous) or through distinct stages (discontinuous).

Research and Methodology

Theories are adaptable; new findings can prompt revisions to existing frameworks.
Cross-cultural research reveals universal aspects of development alongside culturally specific influences.
Experiments are crucial for establishing causal relationships, though lab results may not replicate real-life applicability compared to research conducted in naturalistic settings.

Philosophical Considerations

Theories are founded on underlying assumptions that can evolve with new scientific insights.
Objectivity in developmental science is challenged by researcher biases, necessitating critical evaluation of personal values and biases.
Theorists' assumptions about development affect their perspectives on whether individuals actively shape their development or are reactive, and whether development unfolds continuously or in stages.

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Description

Explore the key perspectives on human development in psychology, including psychoanalytic, learning, and cognitive theories. This quiz will test your understanding of important theories and their basic propositions. Prepare to dive into the complexities of human behavior and personality.