Child Development

Comparison of Theories

For this assignment you will read two vignettes and for each scenario you are to explain how different developmental theories would explain what is happening in each vignette.

Vignette 1
Sammy is 4 years old and previously had always slept by herself in her room at night. Each evening her parents would read her some books kiss her good night and then leave. Recently she has become increasingly frightened at night. It started out with her waking up and calling to her parents who could reassure her and she would go back to sleep, to getting out of bed and going to her parents room, and now she does not want to go to sleep in her bed at night because she is scared.

- How would a Learning Theorist explain how this problem developed?

- How would a psychoanalyst (Freud or Erikson) explain how this problem developed?

Each Theory explanation is worth 10 points. Be sure to explain the behavior in terms of the theory as well as the stage of reference, if there is a stage. This may require you to give background information about the theory itself. Give supporting information from the text and lecture in devising your explanation.

Vignette 2
Jordan was given a shape sorter toy for his first birthday. He will now be turning 2 in six months. Previously, Jordan would get a great deal of delight out of putting all the shapes through the opening at the top of the sorter. When an adult would attempt to have him try and put the shapes through the smaller holes he might work with them for a few moments but then would take the toy from the person and shove the shapes through the top. Recently he has taken a new interest in the shape sorter and is learning the names of the shapes as well as trying to place them in the correct hole.

- How would Piaget explain Jordan's recent development in this area? Also make sure to refer to pages 208 - 217.

- How would Vygotsky explain Jordan's recent development in this area?

Each Theory explanation is worth 10 points. Be sure to explain the behavior in terms of the theory as well as the stage of reference, if there is a stage. This may require you to give background information about the theory itself. Give supporting information from the text and lecture in devising your explanation. For Piaget & Vygotsky you should also refer to Chapter 6 in your text.
Due Monday November 3rd
40 Points Possible

Scoring will be as follows: