Unlike Psychologists Who Emphasize The Role Of Learning, Psychologists Who Emphasize Maturation View Development As A Process That Results In Changes.A. Continuous/qualitative B. Continuous/quantitative C. Discontinuous/qualitative D.
Understanding Developmental Psychology: Maturation vs. Learning
Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human development and growth across the lifespan. It encompasses various aspects of development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. In this article, we will delve into the concept of maturation and its role in developmental psychology, as well as the differences between maturation and learning.
What is Maturation?
Maturation refers to the process of growth and development that occurs as a result of biological and physiological changes. It is a natural process that occurs as an individual matures and grows, leading to changes in their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. Maturation is often viewed as a continuous process, where small changes occur gradually over time.
Maturation vs. Learning
While maturation is a biological process, learning is a psychological process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience and environment. Psychologists who emphasize maturation view development as a process that results in changes that are continuous and qualitative. This means that small changes occur gradually over time, leading to significant changes in an individual's abilities and characteristics.
On the other hand, psychologists who emphasize learning view development as a process that results in changes that are continuous and quantitative. This means that small changes occur gradually over time, leading to significant changes in an individual's abilities and characteristics, but these changes are often measured in terms of quantity rather than quality.
Types of Developmental Changes
There are two types of developmental changes: continuous and discontinuous. Continuous changes occur gradually over time, while discontinuous changes occur suddenly and dramatically. Qualitative changes refer to changes in the quality of an individual's abilities and characteristics, while quantitative changes refer to changes in the quantity of an individual's abilities and characteristics.
Continuous vs. Discontinuous Changes
Continuous changes are often viewed as a gradual process, where small changes occur over time. This type of change is often seen in physical development, where children grow and develop gradually over time. Discontinuous changes, on the other hand, occur suddenly and dramatically, often as a result of significant events or experiences.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Changes
Qualitative changes refer to changes in the quality of an individual's abilities and characteristics. For example, a child's ability to think abstractly or reason logically is a qualitative change. Quantitative changes, on the other hand, refer to changes in the quantity of an individual's abilities and characteristics. For example, a child's ability to count to 10 or recognize shapes is a quantitative change.
In conclusion, maturation is a biological process that occurs as a result of growth and development. It is a continuous process that leads to changes in an individual's physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. While learning is a psychological process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience and environment. Psychologists who emphasize maturation view development as a process that results in changes that are continuous and qualitative.
The correct answer is B. continuous/quantitative.
- Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and Society. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
- Piaget, J. (1954). The Construction of Reality in the Child. New York: Basic Books.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Developmental Psychology: Maturation vs. Learning - Q&A
In our previous article, we explored the concept of maturation and its role in developmental psychology. We also discussed the differences between maturation and learning. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about developmental psychology, maturation, and learning.
Q: What is the difference between maturation and learning?
A: Maturation refers to the process of growth and development that occurs as a result of biological and physiological changes. Learning, on the other hand, refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience and environment.
Q: Is maturation a continuous or discontinuous process?
A: Maturation is often viewed as a continuous process, where small changes occur gradually over time.
Q: What are some examples of qualitative changes in development?
A: Qualitative changes in development include changes in an individual's ability to think abstractly, reason logically, or understand complex concepts.
Q: What are some examples of quantitative changes in development?
A: Quantitative changes in development include changes in an individual's ability to count, recognize shapes, or perform simple tasks.
Q: Can maturation and learning occur simultaneously?
A: Yes, maturation and learning can occur simultaneously. For example, a child may learn to ride a bike as a result of both maturation (physical growth and development) and learning (practicing and developing the necessary skills).
Q: How do psychologists who emphasize maturation view development?
A: Psychologists who emphasize maturation view development as a process that results in changes that are continuous and qualitative.
Q: How do psychologists who emphasize learning view development?
A: Psychologists who emphasize learning view development as a process that results in changes that are continuous and quantitative.
Q: What are some key theories in developmental psychology?
A: Some key theories in developmental psychology include:
- Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development: This theory proposes that children progress through a series of stages of cognitive development, from sensorimotor to formal operational.
- Vygotsky's Theory of Social Development: This theory proposes that children learn and develop through social interactions and collaboration with more knowledgeable others.
- Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development: This theory proposes that children progress through a series of stages of psychosocial development, from trust vs. mistrust to integrity vs. despair.
In conclusion, developmental psychology is a complex and multifaceted field that encompasses various aspects of human development and growth. Maturation and learning are two key concepts in developmental psychology, and understanding the differences between them is essential for understanding human development.
- Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and Society. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
- Piaget, J. (1954). The Construction of Reality in the Child. New York: Basic Books.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.