Russel T.

Tuppil
OBTEC NL-3
PROFED 2

MY REFLECTION PAPER
In our last class, we discussed five different theories about how we, as humans, develop. Along
with that, we talked a little about each of the theorists that are associated with the different theories.
environmental learning, biological maturation, cognitive, humanistic, and psychoanalytical. The theories
about how we develop are all very different and definitely have aspects that resonate with me and make a
lot of sense. I truly believe that the debate as to which theory is correct will forever be on-going. The way
that someone develops and turns out as a person is completely different in each case. For me, the
cognitive theory makes the most sense. It touches on the sides of nature and nurture, which are irrefutably
part of the development of a human being. On the other hand, genetics make you who you are physically.
eye color, hair color, height, etc. On the other hand, you have the nurture side of the debate. Your
environment has the greatest impact on your development. This is something else that can’t be denied.
Your SES, family dynamics, or even a traumatic childhood event. All of these things shape someone into
the person that they become. Genetically speaking, we don’t have a say in what we look like when we are
developing in the womb. According to Jean Piaget, a cognitivist, he believed children progressed through
a series of four key stages of cognitive development. These four major stages—sensorimotor,
preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational—are marked by shifts in how people
understand the world. Although the stages correspond with an approximate age, Piaget’s stages are
flexible in that if the child is ready, they can reach a stage. Jean Piaget developed the Piagetian cognitive
development theory. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development proposes that a child’s intellect, or
cognitive ability, progresses through four distinct stages. The emergence of new abilities and ways of
processing information characterizes each stage. Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development suggests
that children move through four different stages of mental development. His theory focuses not only on
understanding how children acquire knowledge but also on understanding the nature of intelligence.
While Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development is the first stage of Erikson's theory of
psychosocial development, it occurs between birth and 1 year of age and is the most fundamental stage in
life. The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development takes place during early childhood
and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control. The third stage of psychosocial
development takes place during the preschool years. At this point in psychosocial development, children
begin to assert their power and control over the world through directing play and other social interactions.
The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years from approximately ages 5 to 11.
Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and
abilities. The fifth psychosocial stage takes place during the often turbulent teenage years. This stage
plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity, which will continue to influence
behaviour and development for the rest of a person's life. Young adults need to form intimate, loving
relationships with other people. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness
and isolation. This stage covers the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal
relationships. Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or
creating a positive change that benefits other people. The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age
and is focused on reflecting back on life. At this point in development, people look back on the events of
their lives and determine if they are happy with the life that they lived or if they regret the things they did
or didn't do. The significance of Freud’s psychosexual theory is as follows: One important aspect of
Sigmund Freud’s psychosexual theory is his emphasis on early childhood experiences in the development
of personality and as an influence on later behaviors. The relationships that individuals cultivate, their
views about themselves and others, and their level of adjustment and well-being as adults are all
influenced by the quality of experiences that they have had during the psychosexual stages. Despite being
one of the most complex and controversial theories of child development, we cannot discount the
important ideas that Freud has contributed to the field of psychology and human development. I have
learned that moral development occurs as we grow and helps us choose between right and wrong. The
theory of Lawrence Kohlberg states that the moral development of most people begins with a desire to
avoid personal punishment and may evolve over time to a desire to make the world a better and more just
place for all people.