Naturalistic observation, theory, and developmental risk in child psychology

¶ … Naturalistic Observations

The advantages of naturalistic observations are that they require researchers to draw their theories from 'real life' and the fact that empirical data can often challenge conventional wisdom. For example, anecdotal observations of children at play may defy gender stereotypes more than previous research suggests. There are exceptions to every rule. On the other hand, appearances may deceive or create impressions of false causality. The emotional biases or expectations of the researcher can also impede objectivity

What are the three main purposes of a theory?

Theories can provide clarity and illustrate consistency to enable better cognitive functioning on the part of observers. Theories can describe a phenomenon with relative accuracy and predict future phenomenon.

Chapter 3

What factors determine whether an at-risk couple should have children?

The degree to which the risk is likely to occur (a slim vs. A highly likely eventuality), the nature of the risk (whether the condition is mild and treatable or life-threatening and incapacitating), and the ability of the couple to realistically anticipate and cope with the challenges of raising a child with special needs are all determining factors as to whether a couple should proceed with an at-risk pregnancy. Finally, the risk to the mother should also be evaluated, as well as her ability to realistically gauge her personal risk should complications occur over the course of her pregnancy.

Chapter 4

What do you think about laws that would prevent pregnant women from taking recreational drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana or even smoking?

It is absurd to attempt to legally force a woman to have a perfect pregnancy because it cannot be done without infringing upon a woman's individual liberties. First of all, to place special regulations upon women regarding cocaine and marijuana is unnecessary, as these substances are illegal for all individuals, not simply pregnant women. Secondly, although it is certainly better for a pregnant woman not to smoke or drink, a free society must exhibit some degree of trust that its citizens can make good decisions. Even if this is not always the case, the fact people make bad decisions at times is inevitable, and while a potential child's eventual health and well-being may be at stake, to take that argument to its logical extent would be to say that the state could regulate pregnant women's diet and activity, in the interest of the developing fetus' health.

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

From birth, it seems as though humans are predisposed to communicate, and to make meaning out of sounds and gestures. Yet despite this apparent hard-wiring to create language, culture also has a profound influence on individual's communication styles, from the words that are used to nonverbal cues. Infants learn from their caregivers and through observation, even while they are predisposed to develop along a certain biological pattern of making meanings from sounds and conveying those meanings to others. Although this pattern may not be as direct as growing taller and heavier with age, it is still a discernable pattern, thus supporting the mixed theory of language and communication.

Chapter 6 - Assignment F - Language Developments: Nature, Nurture, or Interaction?

1. Whenever 8-month-old Juan wants his mother, he calls our "mama" and she comes running. Consequently, Juan utters "mama" much more frequently now than he did at 7 months of age.

This is an example of 'nurture.' Juan said 'mama,' and his 'mama' rewarded him with her presence. Thus, through classical conditioning, Juan has been 'shaped' to utter 'mama' when he wants his mother. He is not born wanting to utter the phrase when he looks at his mother; rather he associates nurturance, comfort, and a fulfilled desire to have her presence with the word 'mama.'

2. Even in her very first sentence, it is obvious that 21-month-old Melissa has figured out the basics of subject-predicate word order. Seeing her mother returning from work, for example, she says "Mommy home" rather than "home Mommy."

Melissa's intuitive understanding of word order suggests that 'nature' is at play, as the most important part of her thought 'Mommy' precedes that of 'home.'