Download Different Theories Regarding Human Development

Different Theories
Regarding Human Development
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With regard to how humans develop through their
childhood – that is, how they become socialized –
different psychologists have developed different theories.
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Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
Lawrence Kohlberg (1927- )
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
Sigmund Freud’s 3 stages
 Freud believed that human development occurs in 3
stages that reflect different levels of the personality:
the id
the superego
the ego
Sigmund Freud’s 3 stages
 the id =
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the component of the personality consisting
of the basic biological drives and needs that
demand immediate gratification
Newborns’ personalities are all id.
Behaviour is connected directly to urges and desires
(eg. wanting to be held, wanting to be fed, etc.)
Sigmund Freud’s 3 stages
 the ego = the rational, reality-oriented component of
the personality that imposes restrictions on
the pleasure-seeking drives of the id
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The ego channels the urges of the id to make the best
decisions for the person.
(eg. I want that chocolate bar because it will make me feel
good, but I won’t eat because I will feel better if I’m in good
physical shape.)
Sigmund Freud’s 3 stages
 the superego = the moral or ethical component of
the personality
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This is essentially the moral conscience of the child.
We first see the superego in the child as s/he recognizes the
authority / control of their parents. As the child matures, s/he
recognizes that the parents’ morality and values is a reflection
of the morality and values of the greater society.
The tension that occurs between the superego and the id is
moderated by the ego. (see Figure 4.2 on p. 121)
Piaget’s
4 stages of cognitive development
Cognitive development =
changes over time in
how a person thinks
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Piaget outlined 4 stages of cognitive development:
1)
Sensorimotor stage (from birth to age 2)
Preoperational stage (age 2 to 7)
Concrete operational stage (age 7 to 11)
Formal operational stage (age 12 to adolescence)
2)
3)
4)
Piaget’s
4 stages of cognitive development
#1 Sensorimotor stage (from birth to age 2)
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During this period, children understand the world only
through sensory contact and immediate action because
they cannot engage in symbolic though or use language
Piaget’s
4 stages of cognitive development
#2 Preoperational stage (age 2 to 7)
In this stage, children begin to use words as mental
symbols and to form mental images.
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They are still limited in their ability to use logic to solve problems
or to realize that physical objects may change in shape or
appearance while still retaining their physical properties.
Piaget’s
4 stages of cognitive development
#3 Concrete operational stage (age 7 to 11)
During this stage, children think in terms of tangible
objects and actual events.
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They can draw conclusions about the likely physical
consequences of an action without always having to try it out.
Piaget’s
4 stages of cognitive development
#4 Formal operational stage (age 12 to
adolescence)
Adolescents are able to engage in highly abstract thought
and understand places, things, and events they have never
seen.
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They can think about the future and evaluate different options or
courses of action.
Kohlberg and
the 3 stages of moral development
Kohlberg elaborated on Piaget’s studies and
experimented using moral dilemmas. He classified
moral reasoning into 3 sequential levels:
1)
2)
3)
Preconventional level (age 7-10)
Conventional level (age 10 – adulthood)
Postconventional elvel (few adults reach this)
Kohlberg and
the 3 stages of moral development
#1
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Preconventional level (age 7-10)
Children’s perceptions are based on punishment and
obedience.
 Evil behaviour is that which is likely to be punished
 Good conduct is based on avoidance of unwanted
consequences.
Kohlberg and
the 3 stages of moral development
#2 Conventional level (age 10 through adulthood)
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At this level, individuals are most concerned with:
how they are perceived by their peers
and
how one conforms to rules.
Kohlberg and
the 3 stages of moral development
#3
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Postconventional level (few adults reach this)
People view morality in terms of individuals rights
 Moral conduct is judged by principles based on human rights
that transcend government and laws.
Eric Erikson
 Views development as continuing
throughout the life span.
 Outlined eight stages of
development.
 Believed that each stage is
accompanied by a crisis or
potential crisis that involves
transitions in social relationships.
 See chart