Theories and Worldview Assignment
Christopher A. Stokes
School of Business, Liberty University
PSYC210: Developmental Psychology
Professor Rachel Goodier
July 3,2023
1
In your first paragraph explain why it is important to consider worldview when
studying developmental theories (include at least 3–5 sentences)
In your second paragraph briefly describe key concepts and features of one
developmental theory discussed in our textbook (include at least 3–5 sentences). Be
sure to identify the main theorist, the name of the theory and at least one defining
characteristic of the theory.
As we investigate developmental theories, The cognitive theory of cognitive development
created by Jean Piaget is an important one to mention. Piaget developed his theory around the
fact that human beings “work towards achieving a mental balance between what they already
know and what is learned within their environment.” (Cashion, 2019) This concept is called
Cognitive equilibrium and is achieved when experiences are familiar to the human being.
Disequilibrium occurs when a person’s current understanding is challenged based on what is
2
Theories are used “as ideas that helps to explain phenomenon.” (Cashion, 2019) Exploring that
thought further, can lead to questioning, how is this idea created? On what base or thoughts was
this concept created? As an individual goes through life, our experiences and environment is
known to shape many factors of how we think, act, speak, and learn. Exploring these options
further shows how important worldview is when studying these developmental factors as a
person’s worldview establishes a foundation regarding their way of thinking. “When studying
psychology or other disciplines, the foundational thought of thinkers and writers are created
based on their worldview.” (Cashion, 2019)
In your third paragraph identify ways in which your worldview is compatible with the
theory you have described
3
occurring within their environment. The cognitive theory of development explained using four
stages within cognitive development, in which each stage occurs at different age levels and hosts
different characteristics on how information is gathered and perceived.
“The fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(New international Bible, 1978/2011) Piaget’s theory of cognitive development explains the
process a human completes when information a person knows is met with new information from
their environment. This creates opportunity for new growth within different areas of one’s life,
recreating previously gathered information (accommodation) or adding to information
(assimilation). My worldview is one created in the understanding that we were created in the
image of God by God as rulers of the earth he created. We were created to learn and grow within
our knowledge of God and the world in which he created, through interactions with others and
our environment. This is a cycle that continues throughout the lifespan of a person, constantly
shifting information to create new thoughts and add to existing ones. “Theories are used to help
explain an individual’s growth and development throughout their lifespan.” (Cashion, 2019) This
particular theory supports how a person views the world when new information is presented or if
new information is presented based on what was already held as an idea or concept.
In your final paragraph, summarize and reflect on how what you learned about
worldview and its relationship to theories will be used in future coursework (include
at least 3–5 sentences).
4
I’ve learned that worldview influences how a person learns, grows, and interacts with their
environment. This sets a foundation of understanding for an individual who approaches every
interaction, every piece of given information with this base. I’ve also learned how worldviews
can integrate when studying various components of developmental psychology. This is used as a
key aspect to look at and correlate to when attempting to focus on an individual’s growth and
understanding. Exploring individual theories being used within future coursework, helps to lay a
foundation on which a particular theory is understood or what additional information can be
assimilated to create more context.
[References
]
[References
]
[References]
Cashion (2019). Lifespan 360: Christian Perspectives on Human Development (2nd ed.).
Kendall Hunt Publishing. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781524987374
New International Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com/ (Original work
published 1978)
5
