Theories of Development

Just as the theoretical perspectives we bring to psychology help to focus our attention on what we might look for, so too do these developmental perspectives focus on certain aspects of development.  It is important to remember that while each of these perspectives has a different focus, they are still complementary.

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JEan Piaget

Piaget was one of the early pioneers of studying child development.  Kohlberg would later go on to update and refine his work.

Erik Erikson

We know Erikson for his eight psychosocial life stages, each of which consists of a conflict the individual must resolve.

Lev Vygotsky

Do you view psychology through a Sociocultural lens?  If so, you probably will like the work of Vygotsky who is known for being one of the key contributors within that perspective.

Lawrence Kohlberg

Kohlberg and Piaget could have played in the same sandbox.