Jen Curry Module 1

1. Developmental Theories
& Context
Jennifer Curry, Ph.D.

2. Human Development
Field of study concerning
constancy and change over
the lifespan. It is
developed through
interdisciplinary sharing of
information from biology,
psychology, sociology,
anthropology, family
studies, education,
medicine, public health,
and social services.

3. Historical Foundations of
Developmental Theory
 Preformationism—the idea in medieval times that
children were simply small adults, already formed
 Original Sin—Puritan notion that children were
afflicted by evil and needed the devil beat out of
them
 John Locke—TABULA ROSA-children are blank
slates that the world and experiences write on to
shape their character
 Jean Jacques Rousseau-NOBLE SAVAGES-Children
are endowed with a sense of right and
wrong and a positive plan for growth
 Maturation-Given a healthy environment, growth
will unfold in a genetically determined, positive
manner

4. Some Important Points
 Theories of Development-describe,
explain, and predict behavior. They are
supported by scientific verification and
provide a future research framework.
 Continuous Vs. Discontinous-gradual or
through spurts definable by stages
 Qualitative vs. Quantitative
 Contexts-personal and environmental
circumstances impacting development

5. Urie Bronfenbrenner--Ecosystems
Micro-System
Meso-System
Exo-System
Macro-System
Chrono-System

6. Bronfenbrenner—Ecological
Systems Theory
 Microsystem-interactions within the
immediate surroundings
 Mesosystem-connections between
microsystems
 Exosystem-social settings that support the
person more globally
 Maccrosystem-cultural values, laws,
customs, and resources
 Chronosystem-time dimensions and how
they affect the individual