42 Part 1 Foundations of Human Development
Critical Thinking
1. Analyze. Quietly observe your
classmates. Why do you think they
behave the way they do? With a
partner, discuss your fi ndings.
2. Identify. Observe children at play. Give
an example of social learning theory in
action.
3. Assess. Can you change someone’s
impatient behavior by always giving
the same kind response? If so, could
this cause lasting change?
4. Determine. Which family member
are you most like? Is this due more to
heredity, environment, or your social
interactions with that person?
5. Predict. If a child has a parent who is
very outgoing and one who is quiet
and reserved, how might this impact
their child? Would gender make a
difference? Would it matter who spent
the most time with the child?
6. Draw conclusions. Think about your
emotional and social interactions with
family and friends. What factors (such
as sleep, stress, excitement, nutrition)
have affected your interactions with
others today?
7. Evaluate. If given a choice, would
you choose to be extremely intelligent
or extremely beautiful or handsome?
Why?
8. Compare and contrast. Observe
a new litter of puppies or kittens.
What characteristics do they have in
common? How do they differ? Do
personality differences seem evident? If
so, do you think this is from nature or
nurture?
9. Make inferences. Choose two well-
known celebrities from the past. If
these two individuals had a child,
what characteristics of each might you
predict?
Summary
In trying to understand the precise
nature of human development, researchers
and scientists conduct numerous
observations, experiments, and studies.
They form theories from their work.
Theories provide an explanation for
observations made over time and both
explain and predict behavior.
Psychosocial theory, advocated by
Erikson, addresses the stages of social and
emotional development in humans from
birth to old age. Learning theories include
behaviorism, operant conditioning, social
cognitive theory, cognitive theory, and
social learning. All of these theories are
valuable in the fi eld of human growth and
development. No one theory, however,
should be regarded as the absolute truth.
What makes humans develop specifi c
traits? Researchers and scientists continue
to explore the impact of heredity and
environment on development. This
includes the effects of family, peers,
community, economic resources, media,
and health issues such as nutrition and
physical activity.
Researchers use a variety of ways to
observe and understand behaviors using
the scientifi c method. Hypotheses are
tested and theories formulated. Conducting
ethical research is of utmost importance.
Through careful and diligent analysis,
understanding of human development
increases.
Online Resources
Check your understanding of vocabulary
terms and main concepts for Chapter 2 at
www.g-wlearning.com/development/
ompanion ompanion
Website Website
www.g-wlearning.com/development/