Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the role of theories in lifespan development?
Which of the following best describes the role of theories in lifespan development?
- Theories are definitive facts that dictate human growth and behavior.
- Theories are only useful if they can be easily tested through scientific investigation.
- Theories are irrelevant in modern psychological study due to evolving understandings.
- Theories are frameworks that guide investigation and gain credibility through research. (correct)
A researcher observes children in a classroom over several months, noting their behavioral patterns and social interactions, and uses these observations to formulate a theory about childhood development. Which approach is the researcher using to develop the theory?
A researcher observes children in a classroom over several months, noting their behavioral patterns and social interactions, and uses these observations to formulate a theory about childhood development. Which approach is the researcher using to develop the theory?
- Experimental design
- Hypothetical-deductive method
- Deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning (correct)
What does it mean for a developmental theory to be described as emphasizing 'continuity'?
What does it mean for a developmental theory to be described as emphasizing 'continuity'?
- Development occurs in distinct and separate stages with clear boundaries.
- Heredity is the primary factor in shaping developmental processes.
- Development involves gradual and cumulative changes over time. (correct)
- Early experiences have no impact on later developmental outcomes.
Which of the following scenarios illustrates the 'nature versus nurture' debate in lifespan development?
Which of the following scenarios illustrates the 'nature versus nurture' debate in lifespan development?
A developmental psychologist believes that a child's current behavior is primarily a result of their accumulated past experiences, while another psychologist argues that current circumstances are the primary influence. Which key issue in lifespan development is highlighted in this disagreement?
A developmental psychologist believes that a child's current behavior is primarily a result of their accumulated past experiences, while another psychologist argues that current circumstances are the primary influence. Which key issue in lifespan development is highlighted in this disagreement?
How do theories primarily assist researchers in the process of scientific investigation?
How do theories primarily assist researchers in the process of scientific investigation?
What is the role of 'induction' in the development of theories?
What is the role of 'induction' in the development of theories?
Why is it important to test established theories through research?
Why is it important to test established theories through research?
Why are theories considered guidelines rather than definitive facts?
Why are theories considered guidelines rather than definitive facts?
In the context of lifespan development, why are theories used to understand behavior?
In the context of lifespan development, why are theories used to understand behavior?
How does a good theory simplify complex issues for developmental theorists and researchers?
How does a good theory simplify complex issues for developmental theorists and researchers?
What distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory in the scientific approach?
What distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory in the scientific approach?
How do theories and hypotheses interact in scientific research?
How do theories and hypotheses interact in scientific research?
Flashcards
Inductive Theory Development
Inductive Theory Development
Developing theories from observations of specific instances to broader generalizations.
Developmental Theories
Developmental Theories
Explanations and predictions providing a framework for understanding human growth and learning.
Passive vs. Active Issue
Passive vs. Active Issue
The debate on whether early experiences or present experiences have more impact.
Continuity vs. Discontinuity
Continuity vs. Discontinuity
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Nature vs. Nurture
Nature vs. Nurture
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What is a theory?
What is a theory?
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What is induction in theory development?
What is induction in theory development?
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What is a hypothesis?
What is a hypothesis?
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What is the scientific approach?
What is the scientific approach?
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What do theories provide?
What do theories provide?
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What is the role of theories?
What is the role of theories?
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How does theory guide research?
How does theory guide research?
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How do theories gain credibility?
How do theories gain credibility?
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Study Notes
- A theory provides a blueprint or model to help piece together various studies and interpret research findings.
- Theories are guidelines, much like instructions for assembling an object, helping to piece together smaller parts more easily than using trial and error.
- Theories can be developed using induction, where patterns or similarities are noted after observing a number of single cases, and the theorist develops ideas based on these examples.
- Established theories are tested through research, but not all theories are equally suited to scientific investigation.
- Some theories are difficult to test but are still useful in stimulating debate or providing concepts that have practical application.
- Theories are guidelines for investigation and practice, and gain credibility through research that fails to disprove them, not facts.
- A theory is a simplified explanation of the world that attempts to explain how variables interact with each other.
- It narrows down complex, interconnected issues to the essentials, enabling developmental theorists and researchers to analyze problems in greater depth.
- A theory is a well-developed set of ideas that proposes an explanation for observed phenomena and can be used to make predictions about future observations.
- A hypothesis is a testable prediction that is arrived at logically from a theory, often worded as an if-then statement.
- Hypothesis bridges the gap between the realm of ideas and the real world.
- Theories are modified and refined to reflect and incorporate the results as specific hypotheses are tested.
- Lifespan theories explain observable events in a meaningful way.
- Theories offer more general explanations about behavior and events, unlike hypotheses, which are very specific and used to make predictions in research.
- Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about human growth, development, and learning.
- Understanding these theories can provide useful insight into individuals and society.
- Three key issues remain points of disagreement among developmental theorists:
Passive vs. Active
- The role of early experiences on later development in opposition to current behavior reflecting present experiences.
Continuity vs. Discontinuity
- Whether development is best viewed as occurring in stages or as a gradual and cumulative process of change.
Nature vs. Nurture
- Role of heredity and the environment in shaping human development.
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Description
Explore the role of theories in research, aiding in the interpretation of findings and providing guidelines for investigation. Learn how theories are developed through induction and tested through research. Discover their practical applications in various fields.
