Theories of Developmental Psychology

Reflecting the latest thought and research in the field, Theories of Developmental Psychology helps you understand and distinguish the major theoretical schools of child development.

Dr. Miller (Ph.D., University of Minnesota) is professor of psychology at San Francisco State University. She has held faculty positions at the University of Michigan, the University of Florida, and the University of Georgia and also has served as Department Head, Associate Dean, and Director of Women’s Studies. Her research focuses on cognitive development during childhood. More specifically, she studies cognitive strategies, executive function, metacognition, memory, attention, social cognitive development, theory of mind, and gender. Her theoretical interests include theories of development and feminist theories of knowledge. One current topic of interest, the effects of exercise on children’s executive function and school achievement, is funded by NIH.

Introduction

Piaget’s Cognitive-Stage Theory and the Neo-Piagetians

Freud’s and Erikson’s Psychoanalytic Theories

Vygotsky and the Sociocultural Approach

Social Learning Theory

Information-Processing Theory

Ethology and Other Evolutionary Theories

Gibson’s Ecological Theory of Perceptual Development

Contemporary Minitheories and Emerging Approaches