Discuss about the importance of research in child development and adolescence including ascertaining and understanding of the developmental theories.

Discuss about the importance of research in child development and adolescence including ascertaining and understanding of the developmental theories. These theoretical frameworks include psychoanalytic theories, cognitive theories, behavioral and social cognitive theories, ethological theory, ecological theory and the eclectic theoretical framework.
The idea of Theoretical Frameworks can be overwhelming. I want to diminish any fears of studying theories. Simply stated, a theory is a lens of understanding and predicting human behavior. We all have lenses that we use to understand or predict human behavior as well.
As you go through the theoretical frameworks it might be confusing to understand which theory is right or wrong. In fact, some of the theories contradict each other or just describe specific processes of human development. You might also find that a combination of theories holistically explains/predicts human development which is the Eclectic Theoretical Framework.
Course level Outcomes
Analyze the differences between hereditary and environmental influences on development and ways they interrelate.
Formulate relevant questions about developmental processes and events, and relate these to your prior knowledge and experience.
Unit Level Outcomes
Summarize why research is important in child development, the main theories of child development, and research methods, designs, and challenges.
The Importance of Research
Theories of Child Development
Research Methods for Collecting Data
Research Designs
Research Challenges
Assignment Details
After reading about and discussing ALL of the theories, answer the following (please refer to the rubric included here for how points will be distributed and how your responses will be graded):
Choose the theory you agree with most. WHY? List at least 3 basic tenets of the theory that caused you to agree with this theory.
List 3 real life examples that support your agreement with this theory. How did this theory help to explain and predict human behavior?
Choose the theory you disagree with the most. List at least 3 basic tenets of the theory that caused you to disagree with this theory.
List 3 real life examples that support your disagreement with this theory. Why did this theory NOT help you to explain or predict human behavior?

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