Psychology Chapter on Empiricism and Behaviorism

Human Development Theories

• John Locke's concept of tabula rasa posits that the mind is a blank slate at birth, forming knowledge through experiences.
• Empiricists claim behaviors and characteristics are primarily learned rather than innate.
• Behaviorism, linked to empiricism, emphasizes that actions result from conditioning and learning.
• John B. Watson advocated behaviorism, asserting that human actions can be shaped through environmental stimuli.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity in Development

• The continuity view suggests that development occurs gradually over time, enhancing skills similarly to physical growth.
• Discontinuity proposes that development involves distinct stages with abrupt changes in behavior, resulting from biological shifts.

Stability vs. Change in Personality

• Stability theory asserts that personality traits from infancy persist throughout life.
• Change theorists argue personality is shaped by familial interactions, schooling, and cultural influences.

Key Domains of Human Development

• Physical Development: Encompasses growth and changes in the body and brain, including motor skills, coordination, and overall health.
• Cognitive Development: Involves mental processes such as learning, reasoning, memory, and understanding throughout life.
• Psychosocial Development: Pertains to emotions, personality, and social relationships, evolving alongside physical and cognitive changes.

Principles of Human Development

• Development rates vary greatly among individuals; boys and girls may experience different growth patterns.
• Development generally progresses from broad, general actions to specific skills.
• Many developmental traits tend to correlate, indicating a holistic approach to growth.
• Both hereditary factors and environmental influences shape growth and development.
• Development is predictable; observations and tests can forecast physiological and psychological growth.
• Child development in one sphere frequently influences other areas, such as health impacting social engagement.

Approaches to Human Development

• Traditional Approach: Focuses on significant change from birth through adolescence with minimal changes during adulthood, emphasizing childhood development.
• Prenatal stage development highlights the influence of genetics and environmental factors, such as maternal health and teratogens.
• Infancy and Toddlerhood: Characterized by rapid physical and cognitive growth, with significant brain development and language acquisition.
• Early Childhood: Covers the preschool years (ages 2-5), marked by language development, self-awareness, and physical exploration.
• Middle Childhood: Ages 6-11 involve academic skill acquisition and social relationship development beyond familial connections.
• Adolescence: Features physical growth spurts, sexual maturation, and shifts in cognitive abilities, including identity exploration and peer influence.
• Early Adulthood: Encompasses late teens to thirties, noted for achieving physical peak but susceptibility to risky behaviors.

These concise yet detailed notes encapsulate significant aspects of human growth and development, providing a solid study guide for understanding various stages, theories, and dimensions involved.

This quiz explores the concepts of empiricism, including the notion of tabula rasa by John Locke, and the principles of behaviorism. You will examine how experiences shape knowledge and behavior, as well as the theories of well-known thinkers in psychology. Test your understanding of these foundational ideas in psychology.