One of the oldest issues in both philosophy and psychology is the debate over the relative contributions of inheritance and the environment. But some philosophers, such as, Plato and Descartes support the idea that some are inborn. Some other philosophers, such as John Locke argued a belief that the mind is a blank slate at birth, with experience determining our knowledge- also know as the concept of tabula rosa.
It is an interaction between these two forces that causes development. Some of the aspects of development are biological, such as puberty. But, puberty can be affected by environmental factors such as diet and nutrition.
Early Experience vs. Later Experience
Another important consideration in developmental psychology involves the relative importance of early experiences versus those that occur later in life.
By the age of five a child's personality is completely established, according to Freud. Those who have experiences deprived or abusive childhoods might never adjust or develop normally, if this is the case. Researchers have said that influence of childhood events does not necessarily have an affect over behavior throughout the life.
Continutiy vs Discontinuity
Does change occur smoothly over time or through a series of predetermined steps? This is a third major issue in developmental psychology.
As children grow older they display more of a certain skill also known as quantity. Most theories of development fall under these three areas:
1. Sigmund Freud believed in the importance of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences, this is called Psychoanalytic theories.
2. Classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning are called Learning theories. These learning theories focus on how the environment impacts behavior. The individual and the environment shapes behavior.
3.The development of mental processes, skills and abilities is called cognitive theories.
Abnormal Behavior and Individual Differences
Are you worried that your child is not developing normally? The focus on individual differences in development is becoming normal. There are many guidelines for ages at which certain skills are supposed to emerge, but these guidelines can make you concerned if your child falls slightly behind the norm.
Development theories describe deficits in behavior and these are called psychoanalytic theories. Those who rely more on the environment's unique impact on the individual are called learning theories. When describing child development, psychologists look at both norms and individual differences.
