Classroom Observation Overview on Theories
Scientists have an innate urge to organize information and ideas into larger structures called theories. In developmental psychology, there are many types of theories. At the broadest level there are three major theories designed that describe and explain facets of human development and behavior. They are the psychoanalytic theory, learning theory and the cognitive developmental theory. Structured around these theories are smaller scaled theories called models and mini-theories (UOP 2002). Our team observation focused on adolescent females ages 12-14 at an indoor soccer field. Below is a brief overview of those theories and how they apply to adolescent development.
Theorists in the psychoanalytic tradition have been interested in explaining human behavior by understanding the underlying processes of the human psyche, a Greek term referring to the soul, spirit or mind. Sigmund Freud (1856-1936) is usually credited with originating the psychoanalytic approach. In reference to adolescent development Freud talked about the genital stage (ages 12 - 18 and older). He stated that the changes in hormones and the genital organs that take place during puberty reawaken the sexual energy of the child. During this period, the child's sexual objects are people of the opposite sex. Freud placed emphasis that if a child has successfully integrated through his earlier stages they should emerge with a sincere interest in others and mature sexually (UOP 2002).