Developmental Process: Nature v Nurture

Developmental Processes

Provide a framework for describing and understanding an individual's development.

Nature

The development originates from within us.

Nurture

The development comes from our environment and experiences.

Theories

John Locke - children are born with a blank slate.

Theories

Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Theories

Arnold Gesell - You cannot rush development.

Theories

Sigmund Freud - personality is formed by 6 years old.

Behavioral Theories

Skinner's Operant Conditioning - Development consists of the pattern of behavioral changes brought about by reward and punishment.

Positive Reinforcement

increases behavior by delivering a desired stimulus.

Positive Punishment

decreases behavior by delivering an aversive stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

Increases behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.

Negative Punishment

Decreases behavior by removing a desired stimulus.

Cognitive Theories

Piaget's Four Stages of Cognitive Development.

Sensorimotor Stage.

Preoperational Stage.

Concrete Operational Stage.

Formal Operational Stage.

Contextual Theories

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory.