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Ψ  Theories Of Development
- Introductory Notes -


Developmental Theory

Ψ  A systematic set of principles & generalizations that explain development, generate hypotheses, & provide a frame work for future research.

Grand Theories

Ψ  Comprehensive theories that inspired & directed thinking about development for decades but no longer seem adequate.

New  Psychoanalytic ( Freud / Erikson )
 New  Learning ( Watson / Skinner )
  New  Cognitive ( Piaget )

It's a Mickey Mouse World , isn't it?

Mini theories

Ψ  Theories that explain some specific area of development.

Emergent Theories

Ψ  Relatively new comprehensive theories, that bring together information from many disciplines but are not yet a coherent, comprehensive whole.

•  Sociocultural (Vygotsky)
•  Epigenetic Systems Theory


Growth & Development
Robert C. Gates