Development Processes

PRE-NATAL TO BIRTH: Imagine you work with high-risk expectant mothers educating them about the development processes of their unborn child.  How might you advise a first-time mother who is engaging in one or more behaviors that may be potentially harmful to her and/or the child.

What developmental processes might you discuss with her to help her make more informed choices to protect and improve the development of the unborn child? Include both positive and negative perspectives you might include in your discussion with the mother.

COGNITIVE GROWTH (INFORMATIONAL PROCESSING): Briefly discuss what information processing approaches to cognitive development are, and how to do they differ from those of Piaget and Vygotsky? Additionally, choose one of the following processes and discuss the process using an informational process approach. Attention, Memory, Learning.

You can use the concepts discussed in your textbook to do this, but do not simply repeat what is in the book.  Include applications, examples, or other additional information that demonstrates your understanding of the approach.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENTCompare and contrast the Learning Theory Approach (nurture) and Chomsky’s Nativist Approach (nature) to language development.  Discuss the “pros and cons” of each approach.   Include in your discussion whether or not you believe basic language is universal and genetic, or socially learned.  Would you suggest one of these is the best explanation of language development, or would you choose an “Interactionist” (combined) approach?  Explain your answer.

INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT: Do you believe modern I.Q. scales are appropriate and adequate measures of intelligence?

Why or why not?  Include concepts of the development of intelligence in your answer.  Would you propose a different means of measuring intelligence?  If so, how would that look? PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (ERIKSON).

Discuss the basic tenets of Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development.  Do you believe personality develops in stages similar to his theory?  Give reasons to support your answer.   You may want to use sources outside of the textbook to help with this answer (be sure to cite any used and include the full reference at the bottom of the post). Also include at least one scriptural example that indicates someone who may have changed their personality or way of thinking at least to some degree later in life.