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Cross-Cultural Psychology - Theories of Human Development

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Help with the description of the two theories of human development that you selected. Then, compare the major components of the two theories. Finally, describe which theory best explains the influence of culture on human development and why. Support your responses using the Learning Resources and the current literature.

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This solution discusses the psychosocial theory of Erik Erikson and Lev Vygotsky's Theory of Human development in a socio-cultural framework.

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Researchers note that the changes that take place within stages of human growth and development are marked by the interaction of physical, cognitive, personality and social changes. These changes have emotional and social influences on human development. The following two theories had a marked influence in understanding learning and human development.

(a) Vygotsky Theory of social cognitive Development

Vygotsky theory of human development is a sociocultural cognitive theory that emphasizes how culture and social interaction affect cognitive development. Vygotsky held that children constructed knowledge through their social and cultural interaction. Based on his social constructivist theory, the child's development becomes inseparable from his or her social and cultural activities For instance, if children interacted with adults who had more experiences and/or skills, their own cognitive skills would be enhanced. Vygotsky posited that children' interaction with adults, who had more experiences and skills helped to enhance their own cognitive development (Oswalt, n .d). Moreover, Vygotsky provided a model of learning and development in relationships that revalued dependence. According to Santrock (2006), whereas traditional psychodynamic theories of development focused on autonomy and independent functioning as the desired goal; Vgotsky emphasized dependence as having the capacity to rely on others as an essential aspect of learning. He further noted that cooperation with others was necessary to learning and development across the life span. Oswalt (n. d) explains the aspect of Vygotsky's view on social constructionism more clearly regarding how children construct their own knowledge, but develop rom a social perspective.

(b) Erikson's Psychosocial ...

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