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Four Psychological Theories of Child Development

Theories about child development are helpful to professionals and parents who are interested in the nature of children and how best to assist them in their development. However, one can become confused if a particular theory or group of theories are regarded as absolute fact. It is important to recognize that child development theories are ideas regarding beliefs about children and the nature of their personalities and behavior. As one examines various theories of psychologists, it becomes evident that one's own belief system may or may not mesh with that of the standard theorists. It is the purpose of this paper to systematically examine the theories of Freud, Skinner, Piaget, and Erikson and form some personal responses to their theories.

According to R. Murray Thomas, theories or models are ways of looking at the facts regarding a situation. They may reflect a particular world view. He suggests several standards to keep in mind when looking at various theories regarding the development of children. First, a theory is better if it most accurately reflects the actual world of children (Thomas, 1992, p. 17). Problems may develop with this standard if a theorist constructs a model based on only a few children or on children of a particular type.

Thomas says theories are better if they are stated in a way that any competent person could understand them. A theory is better if it can accurately predict the behavior of a particular child or group of children. A theory may be better if it offers practical information for anyone who has an interest in the welfare of children. According to Thomas, theories are also better if they are internally consistent and based on proven assumptions. The best theories are testable and based on empirical evidence as well as stimulating new research, and finally, the best theories give a person a feeling of being satisfied with its explanation (Thomas, 1992, p. 23).

Sigmund Freud was an ...

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Four Psychological Theories of Child Development. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 06:57, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1682113.html