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key people unit 1 - Coggle Diagram
key people unit 1
Chomskys Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Core Idea:
Noam Chomsky proposed the LAD theory
LAD is a hypothetical mechanism in the brain that allows children to acquire language rapidly
LADs Function
Enables children to extract universal grammar rules from exposure to language
Acts like a pre-programmed tool for language learning
Focuses on grammar and sentence structure acquisition
Key Points of LAD theory
Innate ability - all children are born with the LAD, allowing them to learn any language
Universal grammar - LAD provides knowledge of core grammar principles common across languages
Critical period - LADs effectiveness is strongest in early childhood (roughly first few years)
Language learning pattern - children follow a similar language development pattern regardless of language
Relevance to Health and Social Care
understanding LAD can help:
Recognise the importance of early language exposure for healthy development
Identify potential language delays or disorders that might require intervention
Appreciate the remarkable human capacity for language acquisition
Criticisms
LADs existence lacks concrete evidence
Downplays the role of environmental factors like social interaction in language learning
Bowlbys Attachment Theory
Central Theme
emphasised crucial role of early relationships with caregivers in shaping a childs emotional and social development
Key Concepts
Attachment - a deep and lasting emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver
Internal Working Model - a mental image of how reliable and responsive caregivers are, influencing future relationships
Attachment styles - patterns of behavior developed in early relationships that influence social interactions throughout life
Stages of Attachment (Approximate)
Pre-Attachment (0-6 weeks) - Newborns show basic social cues but no specific attachment
Attachment in the making (6 weeks - 6/8 months) - infants develop preferences for familiar caregivers
Clear attachment (6/8 months - 1.5/2 years) - strong attachment behavior emerges e.g separation anxiety
Formation of a reciprocal relationship (1.5/2 years onwards) - children understand caregivers responsiveness and adjust behavior accordingly
Importance of Attachment
Secure attachment provides a foundation for:
emotional wellbeing and self esteem
healthy social relationships
ability to explore and learn
Insecure attachment can lead to:
anxiety and difficulty trusting others
social and emotional problems
behavioral difficulties
coleman reminiscence therapy
concept
phychosocial intervention that encourages older adults to reflect on and share memories from their past lives
therapeutic aims
stimulate cognitive function and memory
improve mood and emotional well-being
enhance self-esteem and sense of identity
promote social interaction and connection
reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
therapeutic techniques
individual or group sessions
using prompts, photos, objects or music to evoke memories
encouraging storytelling and discussion of past experiences
creating scrapbooks, timelines or other memory collages
benefits for health and social care
can be helpful for older adults with:
dementia or mild cognitive impairment
depression or low mood
social isolation and loneliness
difficulty adjusting to life changes
Schaffer and Emerson stages of attachment
conducted a classic study on attachment by observing infants in their homes during the first year. they identified six stages in the development of attachment
stages:
Pre-social phase (0-1 months) newborns lack social discrimination, responding positively to most human contact
indiscriminate sociability (1-3 months) infants smile and vocalise more readily at familiar faces but still show interest in unfamiliar people
specific attachments develop (3-7 months) infants show a preference for familiar caregivers, particularly the primary caregiver, and become wary of strangers (stranger anxiety)
signaling on departure (7-11 months) infants protest separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves, using crying or gestures to signal distress
clear-cut attachment (11-18 months) secure attachment behaviour is evident. infants actively seek proximity and comfort from the caregiver and use them as a secure base to explore the environment
formation of the reciprocal relationship (18 months onwards) children begin to understand the caregivers responsiveness and adjust their behaviour accordingly. they become more independent but maintain a strong attachment bond
importance for health and social care
understanding and recognising normal attachment development
highlights how important consistent and responsive caregiving is for secure attachments
deviations from these might indicate potential attachment difficulties requiring intervention
Gesells maturation theory
core principle
proposed that development is primarily driven by maturation, a biological unfolding of genetically programmed abilities
key points
maturation - refers to the emergence of characteristics and abilities not present at birth but appearing in later life. follows a predictable sequence with individual variations in timing
maturation vs environment - Gesell emphasised maturations role, but acknowledged environmental influences can shape how abilities are expressed. a stimulating environemnt can enhance development within a childs maturational stage
Gesells stages
neonatal stage (birth-1 month) reflexive behaviours dominate
infant stage (1-2 years) rapid motor and sensory development
preschool stage (2-5 years) increased language skills, self help abilities and soical interaction
school stage (6-10 years) refinement of motor skills, cognitive development and growing independence
Banduras social learning theory
central idea
albert bandura proposed that learning occurs through observing, imitating and interacting with others (social learning) alongside traditional reinforcement and punishment
key concepts
observational learning: we learn by watching and imitating the behaviour of others (models) especially those we admire or perceive as successful
modelling: the process of observing and imitating the actions of others
modelling influences: 1. characteristics of the model - people are more likely to imitate models who are seen as similar, competent and rewarding. 2. consequences of the models actions - if a models behaviour is reinforced, we are more likely to imitate it
SLT in health and social care
explains how children learn social behaviours, emotional responses and coping mechanism through observing adults and peers
helps understand how positive role models can promote prosocial behaviours and positive mental health
explains how exposure to violence or aggression in the environment can influence behaviour
Holmes and Rahe social readjustment rating scale (SRRS)
goal
to measure the stress associated with major life events
the scale
list 43 common life events e.g. marriage, death of a spouse or job change
assigns a 'life change unit' value to each event based on it perceived stressfulness
scoring
individuals sum the LCU values of life events experienced in a specific period e.g. the past year
higher scores suggest a greater likelihood of experiencing stress-related health problems
importance in health and social care
provides a general indication of potential stress levels
helps healthcare professionals 1. encourage discussion about stressful events 2. identify individuals at risk of stress-related illness
develop support strategies to manage stress
Cumming and Henry social disengagement theory
core concept
proposes that as people get, they naturally withdraw from social interactions and activities. this disengagement is seen as 1) mutual - both society and older adults contribute to the withdrawal and 2) functional - serves a purpose for both individuals (reducing burden) and society (allowing for social change)
key points
disengagement process
driven by biological and social factors. gradual decrease in social ties and activities
benefits
allows for adaptation to physical and social changes and reduces stress and social demands
criticisms
oversimplifies the experience of older adults
doesnt consider individual differences in personality and social engagement
assumes disengagement is inevitable and desirable, neglecting the importance of social connection for well-being
Piagets Theory of Cognitive Development
Proposed 4 stages of cognitive development:
Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years): infants learn through their senses and actions
Preoperational Stage (2-7 years): children develop language and imagination but lack logical thinking (egocentrism is strong)
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): children can think logically about concrete objects and situations but struggle with abstract concepts
Formal Operational Stage (11+ years): adolescents can think abstractly, reason hypothetically and solve complex problems
Key Concepts:
Schemas - mental framework for understanding the world
Assimilation - fitting new experiences into existing schemas
Accommodation - modifying schemas to fit new experiences
Disequilibrium - A state of confusion caused by experiences that dont fit existing schemas (triggers learning)
Universal sequence - Piaget believed these stages are universal though rates may vary
Havighurst activity theory
central idea
proposed theory which suggests successful aging is achieved through continued engagement in activities that meet social and personal needs throughout life
key points
activity is key: maintaining a level of activity is crucial for physical and mental well being in older adults
adapting activities: as people age, adjustments might be needed to maintain engagement
life tasks and development: identified specific life tasks across the lifespan including those relevant to later life