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An Introduction to Theories of Human Development
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An Introduction to Theories of Human Development



March 2004 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
This brief, accessible core text provides a comprehensive view of the major developmental perspectives in a way that should appeal especially to students going on to applied careers in the social and behavioral sciences, education, and the human services and other helping professions. Neither overly detailed nor unnecessarily technical, it is intended as a basic introduction. At the same time, the author does not "talk down" or condescend to the reader. He emphasizes the applied nature of these developmental theories, not only in the text material but also with features such as boxed highlights. The book is organized into five major parts, beginning with an introduction to the primary concepts and important ideas about human development and research and then grouping various theories into four major theoretical perspectives--maturational and biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive developmental--before concluding with an integrative chapter that compares the various theories covered.
 
PART ONE. AN INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANT IDEAS
 
1. An Introduction to the Study of Human Development
 
2. Trends & Issues in Human Development
 
PART TWO. THE MATURATIONAL & BIOLOGICAL APPROACHES
 
Arnold Gesell and the Maturational Model
 
4. The Importance of Biology: Sociobiology & Ethology
 
PART THREE. THE PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACH
 
5. Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Theory
 
6. Erik Erikson's Focus on Psychosocial Development
 
PART FOUR. THE BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE
 
7. The Behavioral Models of Development
 
8. Social Learning Theory
 
PART FIVE. THE COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL VIEW
 
9. Jean Piaget's Cognitive Model
 
10. Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory of Development
 
PART SIX. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
 
11. Comparing Theories of Human Development

“The book is well written and the theorists and their respective work are well-presented and clearly explained. . . . As a text dealing with the historical overview of major theorists and their work in human development over the last century or so, it is extremely strong and could be widely used in a variety of both undergraduate and graduate courses.”

 

Ann C. Diver-Stamnes
Humboldt State University

“In general, I found the websites and references listed at the end of each chapter to be very interesting and useful for taking students beyond what is in the text.”

 

Jane Ledingham
University of Ottawa

“A fine choice for a classic theories course, and I believe that the level of presentation would be appropriate for advanced undergraduate or graduate students. . . . The up-to-date web sites at the end of each section are a definite plus.  The choice of sites is excellent.”  

 

Cosby Steele Rogers
Virginia Tech

Overall, An Introduction to Theories of Human Development is an excellent introduction for students who are already grounded – or who at the very least intend to become grounded – in traditional ways of ‘doing science.’ It is clear and well structured, reader-friendly (including summary boxes, illustrations, highlights of important points, and employs jargon only where it is necessary – without oversimplifying or dumbing down), orients to up-to-date additional readings and web sites, and, not irrelevant for students, it is not too expensive

Michael Bamberg
Clark University

Students found this text beneficial to their research especially for their assessment work that linked to life stage development. It is a full comprehensive text that covers a wide arch of theories from Piaget to Chomsky.

Mr Daniel Patrick George Mullan
Department of Health & Caring, Oldham College
November 26, 2015

This book is an easy read covering the main theorists of human development - set out in easy to follow sections. Offering further reading at the end of each chapter. A relevant and detailed text - to support the essential reading on my units.

Miss Debbie James
Health , Central Bedfordshire College
July 3, 2016

Excellent layout and easy to follow text with up to date theories and web sites. This is an excellent book for learners who want a more advanced insight into human development.

Miss Sharron Stillyards
health and social care, northlindsey college
March 12, 2013

This provides the basic reading for students on the course and has been recommended to the library

Mrs Pamela Schultz
Interdiscipline , University Campus Suffolk
March 2, 2012

this module is not runnig this year due to change in the programm structure.

Ms Alicja Chmielowska
Social Sciences, Dublin Business School
October 8, 2011

The book would be more suitable for psychology students rather than social science students. The chapter with theories comparison can be usefull to prepare a review of different approaches in theories.

Ms Alicja Chmielowska
Social Sciences, Dublin Business School
October 8, 2011

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