Day Two, Part Two

ECE 131/31 - Day 2 Spring 2016
Asking ourselves why
When we think
about children we
often want to
know how and why
they behave as
they do
For example, we
want to know:
2/3/16
¿?
Explaining human development
Ø  A theory is a
systematic framework
of explanations
resulting from
scientific research*.
Ø  Each theory offers a
frame of reference
that helps us
understand how and
why … cómo y por qué
Ø  …
Ø  …
*siguiendo el método científico
The
scientific
method
Theories…
Ø  Ask questions
Ø  Propose hypotheses
Ø  Are dynamic:they change
Conduct
research
Formulate a
hypothesis
Ø  Generate discoveries
Ø  Offer practical guidance
Ask a question
Las teorías…
Rethink and
reformulate
Test the
hypothesis
over time to incorporate new
discoveries.
Ø No single theory
explains all aspects of
human development.
El método
científico
Confirmed
hypothesis
Analyze results and
reach conclusions
Unconfirmed
hypothesis
Write and publish
report for peer
evaluations
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplicacion_del_metodo_cientifico
Asking why?
Queremos saber ¿por qué?
Day 2: Part two of two
Explanations
of human
behavior
depend on
our
perspective
or point of
view
regarding
human
nature.
Once upon a time …
… in an infant and toddler center
1
ECE 131/31 - Day 2 Spring 2016
Five theoretical perspectives
Throughout
this class we
will study five
theoretical
approaches or
points of view
for explaining
certain aspects
of human
development.
Each one helps us to
understand, describe and
explain human behavior.
2/3/16
5 Theoretical perspectives
1.  Psychoanalytic
2.  Learning
theory or
behaviorism
3.  Cognitive
4.  Sociocultural
5.  Epigenetic
(evolutionary)
Psychoanalytic and psychosocial theorists
Subconscious drives and basic conflicts
underlie and shape personality development
Learning Theory
& Behaviorism
(Freud & Erikson)
(El conductismo:
cuestión de estímulo
y respuesta).
Erik
Erikson
Suponen que ciertos
impulsos inconscientes y
conflictos básicos moldean
la personalidad
(Watson, Pavlov, Skinner y
Bandura)
Cognitive theory
Ø  We construct knowledge
through active
exploration, assimilating
and accommodating new
experiences to previous
information. (Jean Piaget)
Ø  Focuses on thought
processes and brain
research.
Jean
Piaget
Day 2: Part two of two
Behavior is
learned as a
result of
conditioning,
by association,
reinforcement
or
consequences.
Ø  Supone que construímos
conocimiento explorando nuestro
ambiente de manera activa,
asimilando y acomodando nuevas
experiencias a lo ya conocido.
Sociocultural
perspective
Focuses on the
individual within
her/his social
and cultural
context.
Studies how
culture, social
environment, home
and school
influence
development
and behavior
(Bronfebrenner &
Vygotsky)
Lev Vygotsky
2
ECE 131/31 - Day 2 Spring 2016
Focuses on the Epigenetics
adaptive
aspects of
behavior…
and how it
contributes to
the survival and
reproduction of
the individual
and of the
human species.
(Darwin, Bowlby)
2/3/16
Bronfenbrenner’s
ecological systems
approach
Ø  The person is
considered within
all the contexts and
interactions of her/
his life.
Ø  The individual, in turn,
with her/his own
characteristics, exerts
an influence on the
family, the school, the
community and beyond.
Evolutionary theory
Bronfenbrenner
considers
human
development to
be a dynamic
and reciprocal
process.
Research methodologies
Ø Surveys and
interviews
Ø Observations
Ø Case studies
Ø Studying change over
time (e.g. Longitudinal research)
El modelo de sistemas ecológicos
del desarrollo humano
Observation is an La observación
important
method of
research.
You will be
conducting
several
observations
throughout this
course.
Day 2: Part two of two
The parent interview
For our first research project we
will employ this research method.
3
ECE 131/31 - Day 2 Spring 2016
Purpose of our first research project
As we learn about the
experiences of a particular
parent, we:
v  Learn to collect data
objectively (con objetividad)
v  Learn to listen without judging
v  Learn to organize data logically
v  Learn to present results in a
report
v  Relate and analyze data in light
of what we’ve studied in class
and in the textbook.
2/3/16
For next week: a list of
questions for the interview
First, choose an area of focus for your
interview. Then:
s  Design “open-ended questions” to obtain
ample data
s  Design “unbiased, non-judgmental,
neutral questions” that do not
communicate interviewer’s own ideas or
experiences
s  Design “follow-up questions” to help
interviewee expand on topics you (the
interviewer) consider important
5 minutes… “short write”
Consolidate what you’re learning.
Write one or two sentences about
two or more of the following:
1.  What are theories and how
do they help us?
2.  What does the science of
human development study?
3.  What are some examples of
environmental factors that
affect development?
4.  What is learning?
5.  What is socialization?
Day 2: Part two of two
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