2.1: Theories in Science

Students sometimes feel intimidated by theory; even the phrase, “Now we are going to look at some theories…” is met with blank stares and other indications that the audience is now lost. But theories are valuable tools for understanding human behavior; in fact they are proposed explanations for the “how” and “whys” of development. Have you ever wondered, “Why is my 3 year old so inquisitive?” or “Why are some fifth graders rejected by their classmates?” Theories can help explain these and other occurrences.

It is also important to realize that in science the term “theory” does not mean the same as when it is used in regular conversation – perhaps you have a theory about how you look good in yellow, but purple does nothing for you. In science the term theory means something different. Schafersman (1997) proposed the following definition of theory in science – “A scientific theory is a unifying and self-consistent explanation of fundamental natural processes or phenomena that is totally constructed of corroborated hypotheses.”
A theory guides and helps us interpret research findings as well. It provides the researcher with a blueprint or model to be used to help piece together various studies. Think of theories as guidelines much like directions that come with an appliance or other object that requires assembly. The instructions can help one piece together smaller parts more easily than if trial and error are used.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Reality in all its complexity influences the psychological theories on which study hypotheses are based and data is collected. The theory is then modified and influences real world recommendations and applications (such as in this case how to support and enhance motivation and emotion in applied settings. Jtneill, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Theories can be developed using induction in which a number of single cases are observed and after patterns or similarities are noted, the theorist develops ideas based on these examples. Established theories are then tested through research; however, not all theories are equally suited to scientific investigation. Some theories are difficult to test but are still useful in stimulating debate or providing concepts that have practical application. Keep in mind that theories are not facts, but neither are they simply hypotheses or wild ideas; they are guidelines for investigation and practice, and they gain credibility through research that fails to disprove them.[1]

There are many smaller theories in psychology and development but the major theories we will describe in the following pages are theoretical perspectives that form the introductory chapter of many psychology textbooks. These Developmental theories offer explanations about how we develop, why we change over time and the kinds of influences that impact development.

I want to start with an explanation in regards to these theories. A cursory perusal of them will show that these are all perspectives propounded by white, heterosexual, cis-gender, European or US males. Should we assume that there have been no developmental theories of import that come from anywhere else? Of course not! Unfortunately the loudest voices have been those that we hear in textbooks. Certainly they are not the only ones. Happy healthy children are raised in families everywhere - in circumstances far different than those on which the traditional theories are based. In the US itself also, Critical Race Theory (which has been written about for decades) has gained more prominent discussion only very recently.

So we will still learn about the traditional theories. But I would urge you to think about how each of these theorist's own circumstances might say as much about their approach than their theory says about children's development. I would also like you to think deeply about what theories your own caregivers used in their care of you, and whether their cherished hopes for you were realized in the way they cared for you.

References:

Schafersman, S.D. (1997). An Introduction to Science - Scientific thinking and the scientific method.

Attribution:

[1] Introduction to Developmental Theories by Lumen Learning is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Jtneill, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons