What are some of the major theories of child development?

Psychosocial Theory of Human Development Erik Erikson

Theory of Cognitive Development Jean Piaget
Theory of Behaviorism B. F. Skinner and others
Sociocultural Theory Lev Vygotsky
Theory of Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner
Motivation Theory Abraham Maslow

What are the main ideas of these theories?

Psychosocial Theory of Human Development Erik Erikson
Life is a series of stages. Each individual must pass through each stage. The way in
which a person handles each of these stages affects the persons identity and
self-concept. These psychosocial stages are:
Newborn --- trust vs. mistrust
Trust: Feed the baby everyday, try to feed them around the same time everyday.
Mistrust dropping the baby, or not feeding the baby properly.

Toddler --- autonomy vs. shame and doubt

At this age a child would want to learn how to do things their own such as picking out
their own clothes, deciding what to eat and also learning how to use the bathroom without
their diapers.

Preschool child - initiative vs. guilt

During the initiative versus guilt stage, children begin to assert their power and control
over the world through directing play and other social interaction.

School-age child - industry vs. inferiority

Takes place during the early school years from approximately age 5 to 11.

Adolescent - identity vs. identity confusion

This stage plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity which will
continue to influence behavior and development for the rest of a persons life.

Young adult - intimacy vs. isolation

This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal
relationships.

Adult - generativity vs. stagnation

During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family.
Those who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the
world by being active in their community and their home.

realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak

experiences.
 Elder integrity vs. despair
The stages occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life.
People look back on the events of their lives and determine if they are happy with the life
they have lived.

Theory of Cognitive Development Jean Piaget

The behavior of children and the development of their thinking can only be
explained by the interaction of nature (intrinsic development) and nurture (extrinsic
environmental factors).

Children pass through specific stages as they develop their Cognitive Development skills:
Sensorimotor birth - 2 years infants develop their intellect
Infants and toddlers acquire knowledge through sensory experiences and manipulating
objects.

Preoperational 2-6 years children begin to think symbolically and imaginatively

Kids learn through pretend play but still struggle with logic and taking the point of view
of other people.

Concrete operational 6-12 years children learn to think logically

Kids at this point of development begin to think more logically, but their thinking can
also be very rigid.

Formal operational 12 years adulthood adults develop critical thinking skills

thinking skills
The final stage of piagets theory involves an increase in logic, the ability to use
deductive reasoning, and an understanding of abstract ideas.

Theory of Behaviorism B. F. Skinner and others

Based on Lockes tabula rasa (clean slate) idea, Skinner theorized that a child is
an empty organism --- that is, an empty vessel --- waiting to be filled through
learning experiences. Any behavior can be changed through the use of positive and
negative reinforcement. Behaviorism is based on cause-and-effect relationships.
Major elements of behaviorism include:
Positive and negative reinforcement
a stimulus is provided contingent on the behavior

realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak

experiences.
A stimulus is removed contingent on the behavior

Use of stimulus and response

A concept in psychology that refers to the belief that behavior manifest as a result of the
interplay between stimulus and response.

Modeling
A method used in certain techniques of psychotherapy whereby the client learns by
imitation alone, without any specific verbal direction by the therapist
Conditioning.
A theory that the reaction (response) to an object or event (stimulus) by a person or
animal can be modified by learning.

ociocultural Theory Lev Vygotsky

S
The cultures in which children are raised and the ways in which they interact with
people influence their intellectual development. From their cultural environments,
children learn values, beliefs, skills, and traditions that they will eventually pass on
to their own children. Through cooperative play, children learn to behave
according to the rules of their cultures. Learning is an active process. Learning is
constructed. Elements of sociocultural theory are:
Zone of proximal development
The distance between the actual development level as determined by independent
problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem-
solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers

Scaffolding
A temporary structure on the outside of a building, made usually of wooden planks and
metal poles,used by workers while building, repairing, or cleaning the building

Theory of Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner

Intelligence is viewed as the ability to solve problems and create products in a
specific situation. Many kinds of intelligences exist. IQ tests tend to focus on only
one or two of these intelligences. Intelligences may be exceptionally well-developed
realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak
experiences.
in individuals due either to well-developed parts of the brain or to cultural
conditions. The eight intelligences that are widely recognized are:
Linguistic
using words effectively

Logical-mathematical
mathematical-reasoning, calculating
Spatial
think in terms of physical space, as do architects and sailors.
Bodily kinesthetic
use the body effectively, like a dancer or a surgeon
Intrapersonal
understanding ones own interests, goals

Interpersonal
understanding, interacting with others

Musical
show sensitivity to rhythm and sound
Naturalistic
interacting with nature

Motivation Theory Abraham Maslow

People are motivated by a set of basic human needs that may be organized in the
form of a hierarchy, or pyramid, with the most critical needs at the bottom of the
hierarchy. Once their most critical needs are met, individuals can focus on achieving
higher and loftier needs such as love, respect, and self-actualization. The basic
needs, beginning with the most critical, are:
Physiological needs --- air, water, food, shelter, clothes, sex

Safety and security

protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear
Love and sense of belonging
friendship, intimacy, trust and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love.
Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).
Self-esteem; respect by others
achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect
from others.

realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak

experiences.
 Self actualization.

realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak

experiences.