psyc 290 discussion forum

Discussion Prompt 1

The Developmental Debate on Gender Identification

There is debate among developmental theorists as to what influences thoughts and behavior related to gender. For example, what influences a child to play with a doll versus a truck, or what influences a child to engage in active play versus passive play? Do we make these choices because of innate desires determined by biological factors, or is it because we have become socially conditioned to make certain choices? Review and identify the positions that developmental theorists take regarding the influences of gender, and describe what you believe influences gender identity most. Elaborate on your answer.

Discussion Prompt 2

Learning Language

Some experts emphasize the importance of adult reinforcement of early speech, others suggest that language learning is innate, biologically wired, while others believe it to be a biproduct of social impulses. Reflect on this week’s video, Out of the Mouths of Babes. Which language development theory does this video emphasize, and how can you tell? To support your answer, provide an example of one of the experiments conducted and explain how it fits in to the learning theory process you identified. What position do you take on the matter of language acquisition, and based on that position, would you advocate that parents read to children even before they start to talk? Explain your rationale.

Discussion Prompt 3

Milestones: Navigating Late Childhood to Adolescence

From the movie, Lila, Eight to Thirteen in this week’s materials, identify 2–3 developmental milestones Lila reaches, and assess whether or not you think she successfully navigates her way through them as she prepares for adolescence. Support your assertions with evidence from your text and this week’s materials.

Discussion Prompt 4

What’s the problem with today’s kids?

Sarah and Marco are having a conversation about the issue of childhood obesity and the high rate of overweight children in in the United States.

“The food in our society is unhealthy,” Sarah stated. “There are too many addictive chemicals that lead to American kids becoming overweight.”

“Nah,” Marco replied. “I think overweight kids should just eat less and exercise more. It’s the parent’s fault, if you ask me. The parents are buying and feeding these kids junk.”

Do you agree with Marco or Sarah concerning the issue? Why or not? What other factors contribute to childhood obesity in contemporary American society? What impact does obesity have on cognitive, physical, and socioemotional development in middle and late childhood? Support your reasoning with information from the text and other course materials.