PSY 204: Humanistic, Contextual, and Evolutionary Perspectives of Development

congruence

how closely one’s real self aligns with their ideal self

humanism

theory that emphasizes an individual’s inherent drive towards self-actualization and free will

phenomenal field

our subjective reality that we are aware of

self-actualization

the realizing of one’s full potential can include creative expression, a quest for spiritual enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, or the desire to contribute to society

bioegological model

perspective suggesting that multiple levels of the environment interact with biological potential to influence development

contextual perspective

theory that considers the relationship between individuals and their physical, cognitive, and social worlds

scaffolding

process in which adults or capable peers model or demonstrate how to solve a problem, and then step back, offering support as needed

sociocultural theory

Vygotsky’s theory that emphasizes how cognitive development proceeds as a result of social interactions between members of a culture

zone of proximal development

the difference between what a learner can do without help, and what they can do with help

behavioral genetics

studies the effects of heredity on behavior

ethology

study of behavior through a biological lens

evolutionary psychology

field of study that seeks to identify behavior that is a result of our genetic inheritance from our ancestors

imprinting

imprinting is any kind of phase sensitive learning