Why should we study theorists?
The study of child and adolescent development, as with all scientific study, is driven by theories. Developmental theories are basic principles or formulations that help us organize our observations to understand and predict human development. In the scientific process, theories are the basis from which we generate specific, testable hypotheses. Development has to do with both stability and change over time, so each developmental theory must address the issues of how change happens and why change happens.
For an overview of some main theorists, click on the links under the developmental theorist tab to the left.
The study of child and adolescent development, as with all scientific study, is driven by theories. Developmental theories are basic principles or formulations that help us organize our observations to understand and predict human development. In the scientific process, theories are the basis from which we generate specific, testable hypotheses. Development has to do with both stability and change over time, so each developmental theory must address the issues of how change happens and why change happens.
For an overview of some main theorists, click on the links under the developmental theorist tab to the left.