1. Discuss how the study of child and adolescent development has changed over time.

During the last two decades, the research base in the field of adolescent development has
encountered a growth spurt. Knowledge has increased significantly. New studies have more
complex views of the various dimensions of adolescence, fresh insights into the means and
timing of puberty, and new perspectives on the behaviors connected with the second decade of
life. About the same time, the field's underlying theoretical assumptions have evolved and
matured.

Researchers of human development have consistently noted that the second decade of life is a
time of dramatic reform. It is a phase of rapid physical growth, cognitive development endocrine
(hormone) changes and increasing analytic capability; emotional maturity, a period of increasing
self-sufficiency and self-exploration and active participation in a more complex social universe.
For much of this century, experts and scholars studying adolescence tended to believe that
biological influences almost completely dictated the changes linked with adolescence.

Currently, research is creating a more realistic view of adolescence. Adolescence remains to be

seen as a period embracing severe developmental challenges, but there is a wider acceptance that
biology is the only one factor that influences young people's development, adjustment, and
behavior. In fact, there is mounting proof that parents, service providers, members of the
community and social institutions can both foster healthy development among adolescents and
intercede efficiently when problems arise.

2. Describe the five theoretical perspectives, including the major theorists associated with
each

Biological theory

The biological perspective is a way of viewing psychological topics by studying the physical
basis of animal and human behavior. It is a major perspective in psychology involving things
such as the brain, nervous system and genetics. Psychologist Hans Eysenck’s theory is based
primarily on physiology and genetics. He believes that genetics are the primary determinate of
personality. Eysenck's original research discovered two major dimensions of temperament:
neuroticism and extraversion-introversion

Psychodynamic theory

Arguably the most famous psychologist of all time, Sigmund Freud was the primary exponent of
the psychodynamic or psychoanalytic theory. It attempts to explain personality and behavior
concerning subconscious processes such as aspirations and fears, which we are not consciously
knowledgeable of.
Behavioral theory

Behavioral psychologists believe that external environmental stimuli affect your behavior and
that you can be trained to act a certain way. Behaviorists such as B.F. Skinner don't believe in
free will. They believe that you learn through a system of reinforcements and punishment.

Cognitive theory

Compared to behaviorists, cognitive psychologists believe that expectations and emotions define
behavior. Cognitive psychologist Jean Piaget would argue that you recall things based on what
you are already aware of. You also resolve problems based on your recollection of past
experiences.

Humanistic theory

Humanistic psychologists believe that you're good and that you're motivated to accomplish your
full potential. From this camp, Psychologists focus on how you can feel good about yourself by
achieving your needs and goals. The famous humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers named his
patients 'clients' and gave a supportive environment in which clients could gain insight into their
emotions.