What is a scientific theory?
A scientific theory is a systematic structure of ideas and experimental laws designed to explain natural phenomena, events and objects through observations, scientific experiments and explanations (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). Scientific theories explain why an event happens or how an object behaves through rigorous research and tests. Adjustments are usually made to these theories when more evidence and data is established on a given subject. The theories can also be revised if experimental results vary repeatedly from theoretical explanations. Acceptability of these theories is based on the criteria that they are observable, predictable and repeatable.
What is the difference between a scientific theory and common-sense ideas about the same topic (for example, why a child seeks a bottle at birth)?
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The major difference between a scientific theory and common sense is scientific theories are based on research and facts backed with evidence from a developed principle whereas common sense is learned based on observation and environment and varies between individuals. Scientific theories also have a consistency since they are based on proven facts while common sense is subjective and prone to cognitive bias. Common sense changes with growth, time and exposure. A child will seek a bottle at birth because they are conditioned to understand that a bottle means feeding.
Determine at least one thing that distinguishes a developmental theory from other theories about people?
Developmental theories describe the systematic and qualitative change in the cognition and behavior of human beings as they grow from childhood to adulthood. An example is change in the idea of permanency for babies, a baby loses a toy and changes attention to the immediate available plaything, as they grow, they develop stability and tend to search for this particular toy they lost (Bretherton, 1992). I agree with Bowlby’s attachment theory that babies are born with the need of an attachment and good relationships at an early stage gives them a sense of security in future. Babies deprived of tenderness, affection and care suffer from separation anxiety as an adaptive response, the result of this is fatal or they may grow up to be detached and anti-social individuals.
How could a good developmental theory be valuable for social policy and your own life?
A good developmental theory can help one build a personality and ability to interact with people and survive in an environment. It models an individual giving guidance on how to interact with people and behave in their social surrounding. It also gives a better understanding of oneself, influences a person’s choices and their ability to cultivate significant relationships. The value of a good developmental theory in my life is that it has enabled me to form meaningful relationships and boundaries with the people that surround me.
What major issue(s) for developmental theory do you feel is (are) most important and why?
The most important issue regarding developmental theory is that, the people, environment and conditions a baby is subjected to determine who they become as in adulthood. Interruption of a developmental stage especially during a sensitive period interferes with the normal development of an individual and attempts of recovery of the lost phases are not usually fruitful. Example, learning a language and particularly the native dialect is easier during childhood than in adulthood. A baby surrounded by supportive and available caregivers grows into an adult that is in touch with themselves and can form meaningful relationships others. It is therefore very crucial that as children progress through the different stages of life, they should be given a conducive environment that nourishes and nurtures them to be competent adults.
References
Bretherton, I. (1992). The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Developmental Psychology , 28 (5), 759-775. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.28.5.759
Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan development: A psychological perspective .
