Part 2: Comparing and Contrasting Theories

write a 2- to 3-page paper to compare the main theories used in the assignment. Create a title page and a references page in APA format.

Address the similarities and differences between each theory in the paper.

Use at least 3 additional resources to support the comparisons made in the paper.

Support your answers using appropriate professional resources cited in APA format.

Developmental theories

Maturational theories (Arnold Gesell)

Behaviorism (skinner, Watson, bandura, pavlov)

Psychosocial theory(erikson )

Constructivism(jean piaget, Montessori, Vygotsky,bronfenbrenner)

Part 1: Milestones Graphic/Chart

Refer to the Milestones Chart in the Template Tables document. Compose an introductory paragraph for the chart.

In the chart, identify milestones and typical patterns of behavior for each developmental domain based on the specified theoretical foundation.

Include major theorists and a summary of their research or theory for specific age groups.

For example, from a Maturationist’s perspective, children’s environments should be adapted to their genetically determined needs and characteristics. Gesell, who was a maturationist, taught that growth follows a fixed sequence determined primarily by intrinsic factors. There is a particular age for learning specific cognitive, social and emotional skills. To support his findings, he cited results from systematic observations of children that he conducted when they were at different ages. For the maturation column, you can start by using Gesell. However, you need to complete each column. You might find there is enough information in the readings and presentations to complete the columns, or you may need to conduct a bit of your own research.

For example, in the physical domain, consider these questions:

· What does the maturational theory believe that children of a certain age do?

· Who is credited for this theory?

· How does a baby develop? Discuss the cephalocaudal (head-to-foot) trend. At what age/stage of life does the baby develop these physical traits?

In the cognitive domain, consider these questions:

· How do Maturationists think that children learn?

· How does the brain develop?

· How does language develop?

· Are there typical stages that children go through as they acquire cognitive skills?

In the social domain, consider the following:

· How do children form social relationships?

· Are there any stages that children go through when developing trusting relationships with others?

In the emotional domain, consider the following:

· How do you think the maturationist view emotional development in children?

Complete all columns in the chart (for the maturation, constructivist, and behaviorist theorists).

As you complete the columns, identify the milestones/typical behavior patterns that occur at each stage of development. Associate the theorists with each column and provide the specific age group when these characteristics are likely to occur. It is important to remember that not all theorists had opinions in all domains in development.

Part of the challenge of this activity is to demonstrate how you can succinctly condense a large amount of information into a chart. Therefore, select only the most important and relevant elements for each cell.

1 – Discussion

 

Early Childhood Physical Development

The sensory system of the young child develops early in life. Watch the video clips Inside the Living Body and review Chapters 3, 4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 in the course textbook.

· Discuss the way in which the various sensory systems develop and how sensory development impacts a child’s perception of the world.

· Explain in your post how you might suggest a parent adjusts the home environment and social situations to allow for the infant and young child’s system to develop.

2 Discussion

 

Sexual Identity Development

Chapter 12 of the course textbook discusses the issues of identity development during adolescence. Based in part on the textbook readings and the 60 Minutes videos listed as Required References for this week, consider what you learned about the topic and your reaction to what you read.

In your initial post:

· Identify what you consider to be a sexual identity-related problem or issue that is of importance to you and to society and culture.

· Identify and evaluate the key positions and theoretical arguments relating to your issue.

· Include in your discussion comments on what you have learned about the reasons for differences in sexual orientation (e.g., from biological, cultural, or physiological causes).

· Ground all positions and conclusions in theory and evidence.

3 – Discussion

 

Cognitive Maltreatment and Neural Development

Chapter 5 of the course textbook discusses the brain development of the child in early life as well as the impact of accidents and maltreatment. The required article by Perry (2009) illustrates and defends an approach to child maltreatment based on neurodevelopmental analysis that seeks to understand and treat abuse victims with reference to the areas of the brain affected.

Based on these readings, account for or respond to each of the following in your initial post:

· Analyze the findings of the Perry study, addressing the strengths and shortcomings of the neurodevelopmental approach. Are there limits to this sort of approach, and if so, what alternative approach might add something to a neurobiological analysis?

· Offer a real life experience, alternative study, or recent news report that in some way illustrates or casts light upon Perry’s findings.

4 – Discussion

 

Emerging Adulthood

Chapter 11 of the course textbook covers cultural, cognitive, personality, and identity issues of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, as does this week’s required article by Smith-Osborne (2007), which presents a historical perspective on two developmental theories, with a focus on resiliency theory.

In your initial post to this discussion, address each of the following items:

· Identify and cite two peer-reviewed articles that analyze similar issues or cases relating to emerging adulthood from the perspectives of lifespan theory and resiliency theory, respectively.

· Briefly summarize the theses, methods, and results of each study, identifying the similarities and difference between the two approaches.

· Assess the relative strength and shortcomings of the resiliency theory approach vis a vis a lifespan theory approach with reference to specific cases or examples.

· Reflect on what the two studies reveal about the cognitive and personality issues of emerging adulthood discussed in your articles.

5 – Discussion

 

Vocational Development and Work/Life Balance

Chapters 13 and 14 in the course textbook examine the impact of social roles and professional life on adult development. In our complex world that requires us to manage multiple roles, learning how to effectively balance social roles has become increasingly challenging.

For you initial post:

· Identify and summarize what you see as two or three critically important theoretical insights drawn from the textbook readings that explain and inform work/life balance in adult emotional and social development.

· Describe and explain one best practice in your life with respect to work/life balance.

· Explain how the best practice you have identified is grounded in, or conceptually related to, one or more of the insights you identified from the readings.

6 – Discussion

 

Death, Dying, and Grief

The required references for this week discuss death, dying, grief, and bereavement.

In your initial post to this discussion:

· Identify an issue associated with grief at one developmental stage: childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood, or later adulthood.

· Describe a scenario in which an individual is dealing with the issue you identified.

· Explain how you would counsel the individual in the scenario you have described.

· Provide one Internet resource to help an individual or family deal with death.

Required Text

You can find more helpful items for Constellation at the following site: https://content.rockies.edu/support/tutorials/

Constellation: Mossler, R. A., & Ziegler, M. (2016). Understanding Development: A Lifespan Perspective. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc

Required References

American Psychological Association. (2011). Practice guidelines for LGB clients: Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx (Links to an external site.) (Skim and familiarize yourself with the 21 Guidelines for LGBT Clients.)

Colorado Community Media. (2007). Bully prevention part of District 28 teachings. Retrieved from http://coloradocommunitymedia.com/stories/Bully-prevention-part-of-District-38-teachings,51506 (Links to an external site.)

Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 1 [Video file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from60 Minutes 8/27/06 – Gay or Straight – Part 1 of 3 (Links to an external site.)

Finkelstein, S. (2006). 20/20: Exploring sexual orientation: Gay or straight, Part 2 [Video file]. New York, NY: CBS Corporation. Retrieved from60 Minutes 8/27/06 – Gay or Straight – Part 2 of 3 (Links to an external site.)

National Geographic. (2011a, Apr 29). Inside the living body, video 1 of 9 [Video file]. Retrieved fromNational Geographic – Inside the Living Body 1 9 (Links to an external site.)