Numerous theories about human development

Full Answer Section

     

• Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development: This theory emphasizes social and emotional development through stages. The stage relevant here is Initiative vs. Guilt (3-5 years), where children develop a sense of initiative and independence, but may also experience guilt if things go wrong.

Interview Questions:

1. Playtime! Can you show me one of your favorite games to play? (Observe their play for signs of symbolic thought, like using a block as a phone.)
2. Imagine Time! If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? (This taps into their egocentrism – their answer will likely focus on their own desires.)
3. Helping Hands! Sometimes when we try new things, we might make mistakes. Has that ever happened to you? How did you feel? (This explores their understanding of emotions and how they cope with challenges, relevant to Erikson's Initiative vs. Guilt stage.)
4. Friend Time! Tell me about a time you played with a friend. What did you do together? (This taps into their developing social skills.)
5. Let's Pretend! Pretend we're both superheroes. What's your superhero name and what kind of powers do you have? (This encourages symbolic thought and explores their sense of self.)

Comparing Theories to Experience: By observing the child's play and responses to the questions, you can see how the developmental theories you studied manifest in real life. Look for evidence of:

• Symbolic Thought: Do they use objects to represent something else during their play?
• Egocentrism: Do their answers to questions mainly focus on themselves and their desires?
• Social Skills: Do they describe playing cooperatively with friends?
• Emotions and Coping Mechanisms: Can they articulate how they felt when they made a mistake?

This interview helps bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world human development. Remember:

• Adapt the questions to the child's age and communication level.
• Obtain parental consent before conducting the interview.
• Respect the child's comfort level and privacy.

By conducting this interview, you can gain valuable insights into how children learn, think, and interact with the world around them.  

Sample Answer

     

Interviewing a Child: Exploring Development Through Play

Target Age Group: 5-7 Years Old

Developmental Theories:

• Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development: This theory focuses on stages of cognitive development, with the preoperational stage (2-7 years) marked by egocentrism (difficulty seeing things from another's perspective) and symbolic thought (using objects to represent something else).