Scientific Theory and Developmental Theory
1. What is a scientific theory? Please cite a definition you like.
As Watson stated in "The Value of Theories", a scientific theory is a systematic explanation that unifies various observed phenomena and facts. Based on observations we make, science operates under theories which are constantly revised and checked by experiment. A scientific theory also possesses many vital qualities for true understanding.
2. 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)?
Common sense, unlike scientific theory, is a gut feeling. It is looking at a situation and evaluating it using the knowledge you have and/or using past experiences. Sometimes with common sense we are not able to pinpoint the logic that was used or the data that we used to come to our decision. In some cases, science contradicts common sense. For example, when a child is born it is common sense that the child will grow, but using scientific theory there are many proven facts using data and knowledge. Scientific theory is how we understand the growing of children and evaluate it in a more accurate way. With using common sense, we know that the child is going to grow, but have no facts to back it up.
3. Determine at least one thing that distinguishes a developmental theory from other theories about people?
Theories and hypotheses play a huge role in the study of development. One thing that distinguishes a developmental theory over all other theories is that it is a very broad approach. For example, in Europe there was no concept of childhood until the seventeenth century. Feldman goes on to say that children were subject to the same needs and desires as adults. Children worked the same hours and received the same punishments that adults did. Watson stated in "The Early History of Child Study" that John Wesley (a very influential religious leader in the 1700's) said "let a child from a year old be taught to fear
As Watson stated in "The Value of Theories", a scientific theory is a systematic explanation that unifies various observed phenomena and facts. Based on observations we make, science operates under theories which are constantly revised and checked by experiment. A scientific theory also possesses many vital qualities for true understanding.
2. 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)?
Common sense, unlike scientific theory, is a gut feeling. It is looking at a situation and evaluating it using the knowledge you have and/or using past experiences. Sometimes with common sense we are not able to pinpoint the logic that was used or the data that we used to come to our decision. In some cases, science contradicts common sense. For example, when a child is born it is common sense that the child will grow, but using scientific theory there are many proven facts using data and knowledge. Scientific theory is how we understand the growing of children and evaluate it in a more accurate way. With using common sense, we know that the child is going to grow, but have no facts to back it up.
3. Determine at least one thing that distinguishes a developmental theory from other theories about people?
Theories and hypotheses play a huge role in the study of development. One thing that distinguishes a developmental theory over all other theories is that it is a very broad approach. For example, in Europe there was no concept of childhood until the seventeenth century. Feldman goes on to say that children were subject to the same needs and desires as adults. Children worked the same hours and received the same punishments that adults did. Watson stated in "The Early History of Child Study" that John Wesley (a very influential religious leader in the 1700's) said "let a child from a year old be taught to fear