Theoretical Foundations

Biological Theory 1.Genetic- About half of intelligence is attributed to genes 73% of obesity 2.Anatomical-structure of the brain less gray matter in frontal lobe with ADHD and conduct disorder 3.Functional-activity in the brain Lower than normal physiological arousal in highly aggressive people 4.Neurochemical-processing of neurotransmitters Serotonin is related to both aggression and depression. Dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin are involved in adhd

Cognitive theory-Piaget Cognition- “the process of organizing and making meaning of experience” (N & N) Schemas represent our ideas of things, concepts, etc. Disequilibrium leads to adaptation to new information to achieve equilibrium. Assimilation and accommodation Series of stages, which dictate how we process new information –Sensorimotor-birth to 18 months –Preoperational-18 months to 5 or 6 –Concrete operational-5 or 6 to 11 or 12 –Formal operational-11 or 12 through adulthood

Cognitive theory-Vygotsky 1.Interaction within a cultural context is key to development. 2.Intermental to intramental-means our engagement with the external world leads to understanding within oneself. 3.Zone of proximal development-the gap between where you are and where you can go with external guidance.

Learning theories 1.Classical conditioning UCS: being yelled at….UCR: anxiety CS: contact with yeller CR: anxiety 2.Operant conditioning Reinforcement and punishment Contingency management 3.Social learning Learning through observation of others Identification with the other Consequences of other’s behavior

Cognitive-behavioral theory 1.Looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors-see fig Encodings-schemas we have about self, situation, others Expectancies-expectations and beliefs Affects-emotions, physiological responses Goals and values-how important is “it” to us Cognitive competencies-skills, knowledge, abilities Self-regulatory plans-how do we go about reaching our goals

Cultural Theory 1.Culture is defined as “the learned systems of meanings and patterns of behavior that are shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to another.” 2.Transmission occurs via a variety of learning processes. 3.Continuity and discontinuity 4.Individualism vs. collectivism

Systems theory 1.All systems seek to maintain a state of equilibrium. 2.The various systems of a person’s life interact with the individual and with each other.

Whale Rider 1.Each group will be assigned a specific theory. 2.As you watch the video clips, look for examples of concepts from the theory. 3.Re-group and discuss examples to clarify the meaning of the concepts. 4.Report back to class.