Реферат: Psychology Human Development Essay Research Paper

From about the ages of seven to thirteen, Piaget believes children enter the concrete operational stage. They can solve problems logically. They can understand rules and form concepts. Some children become moralistic.

The last stage Piaget believes is the formal operational stage. This stage takes place from about twelve years of age through adulthood. Once someone has reached this stage, one should be able to think abstractly, manipulate abstract concepts, use hypothetical reasoning, and use creative language. Someone should be able to think about the possibilities.

These three theories on human development each have their own good points and bad points. One problem all theories must deal with are paradigmatic assumptions. These are ideas that the theorist has taken for granted as facts. An example is Freud’s notion that women suffer from a lack of self esteem or self worth all their lives because of penis envy. Freud’s assumption could have been a product of the times he lived in. It was a time when women were treated as second class citizens. Today, the idea of penis envy has lost its worth. Freud’s assumption that sex is the driving force behind everything could also be a product of his times. Sexual feelings were often repressed. The problem with paradigmatic assumptions is that each person grows up in a different culture and some theories don’t apply to everyone. The problem with psychology remains that it is not an exact science. It is difficult to develop good paradigmatic assumptions because of that. Erikson assumes a child must learn these virtues or skills in this order. But, what if a child does not? Someone may never has a meaningful relationship, but they may develop wisdom. This would undercut Erikson’s assumptions that everyone must pass through these stages in this order. Piaget also has some assumptions in her theory. A man who never learns to add, may be able to think hypothetically. These mistakes only show that psychology still has its flaws.

Each of these theories has some value because they are not totally wrong.

These theories have withstood criticism and are some of the best. Each theory is similar in its timetable and sequence of life events. Where they differ is in their focus. Freud focuses on sex, Erikson focuses on the self and social orientation, and Piaget focuses on the child’s ability and senses.

Bibliography

Freud