Perception requires interaction

Theory requires praxis

Theory: an orderly, integrated set of statements that describe, explain, and predicts

Consider:

Normative Age-graded influences

Normative History Graded influences

Nonnormative influences

Lifespan Perspective

Development is...

• Multidirectional
• Multidimensional
  • Biological
  • Cognitive
  • Social
  • Emotional
• Multidisciplinary
• Multicontextual
• all about plasticity, our ability to change

The Lifespan

What is 'age'?

• Biological v. Psychological v. Social ages

Active v. Passive

Stability v. Change

Before Psychology

• Preformationist View
• John Locke (1632-1704)
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
• Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
• Karl Marx (1818-1883)
• Arnold Gesell (1880-1961)

Where does knowledge come from?

Quick History of Developmental theories

Context and Theoretical Development

Beginnings of Psych

Mid-

Post-modern critiques

• Who are developmental theories for?
• Relationship of Science + Power (Foucault)
• What assumptions are made?
• Dynamic of subject and researcher (student and teacher)