This guide explores how various developmental theories can be applied to understand human behavior across the lifespan. We’ll delve into common case studies and analyze them using:

• Moral Development:
  • Gilligan’s Theory:Focuses on moral reasoning centered on care and responsibility for others.
  • Kohlberg’s Theory:Emphasizes moral reasoning based on justice, fairness, and universal principles.
• Cognitive Development:
  • Perry’s Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development:Examines how students approach complex ideas and develop their own meaning-making.
• Adult Development:
  • Levinson’s Seasons of Life:Explores predictable stages of development with challenges and transitions throughout adulthood.
  • Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development:Identifies key psychosocial conflicts individuals face at each stage of life.
  • Cohen’s Stages of Socioemotional Selectivity Theory:Investigates how social motivations change with age.

Case Study Example:

Sarah (42): Sarah, a dedicated nurse manager, feels increasingly frustrated with the ethical practices at her hospital. She witnesses cost-cutting measures that compromise patient care. While she fears speaking up might jeopardize her job, she also feels a responsibility to advocate for her patients.

Analysis:

• Moral Development:
  • Gilligan:Sarah’s concern for patient well-being reflects a focus on care-based morality.
  • Kohlberg:Sarah’s struggle between job security and ethical responsibility suggests a movement towards principled morality (Stage 5).
• Cognitive Development (Perry):If Sarah starts questioning established hospital practices and seeks information from diverse sources, she might be transitioning from “Dualism” (accepting authority) to “Relativism” (considering multiple perspectives).
• Adult Development:
  • Levinson (Midlife Transition):Sarah’s concerns could signal the questioning and reevaluation characteristic of the “Entering the Midlife Transition” stage (40s-50s).
  • Erikson (Generativity vs. Stagnation):Striving to improve patient care aligns with Erikson’s concept of generativity, the desire to contribute meaningfully to the world.
  • Cohen (Socioemotional Selectivity Theory):Sarah’s potential shift in social priorities might reflect a focus on emotionally meaningful relationships and a desire to leave a positive legacy (characteristic of later adulthood).

Evaluating Research:

A strong research study on human behavior should be:

• Methodologically sound:Employ appropriate research methods (surveys, experiments) to collect valid and reliable data.
• Ethical:Ensure ethical treatment of participants and informed consent.
• Valid and reliable:Produce consistent and generalizable results.
• Contribute to existing knowledge:Offer new insights or replicate prior findings.

Interpreting Human Behavior:

By understanding different developmental theories, we can gain valuable insights into human behavior. Consider factors like age, life experiences, and social context when interpreting a person’s actions.