A.  What is Development?

some possibilities...

 

 

"age-related changes that are orderly, cumulative, and directional" (Sroufe)

 

Orthogenetic Principle (Werner)

"Development proceeds from a state of relative globality and lack of differentiation to a state of increasing differentiation and hierarchic integration."

 

 

B. Why Study Social Development?

C. Goals/expectations of course

 

 

D. Assignments

 

 

E. Web page

II. The Scientific Method

A.    What is science?

  B.  Common Sense versus Science

 

 

 

C.  The Scientific Method (steps)

III.  Intro to Theory

A. Questions about theories:

1.  What is a theory?  

 

 

2.  What is a developmental theory?  

 

 

3.  What makes a good theory?  

 

 

 

  4. Where do theories come from?

 

 

 

B. Role of Theory in Research

- organize and condense information

 

 

- explain behavior

 

 

- predict future events/behavior

 

 

C.  Basic controversies (Theory "quiz")

• How do nature and nurture contribute to development?

• What is the basic nature of the human?

• Is development qualitative or quantitative?

• Are we active or passive in our development?

• Is development stable or discontinuous?

 

D.  A word to the wise (scientist)....

 

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