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Chapter 4: Problem 20

Analyze theoretical perspectives on the ways in which aggression develops in preschool-age children. Aggression, which involves intentional harm to another person, begins to emerge in the preschool years. Some ethologists, such as Konrad Lorenz, believe that aggression is simply a biological fact of human life. Social learning theorists focus on the role of the environment, including the influence of models and social reinforcement as factors influencing aggressive behavior. The cognitive approach to aggression emphasizes the role of interpretations of the behaviors of others in determining aggressive or nonaggressive responses.

Short Answer

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The development of aggression in preschool-age children can be considered from various theoretical perspectives. Ethologists argue it is a biological necessity, social learning theorists posit that it is learned from role models and reinforced by society, and cognitive psychologists believe it stems from the individual's interpretation of others' behavior.

Step by step solution

01

Analyze the Ethological Perspective

Konrad Lorenz, a famous Ethologist, believed that aggression is a natural part of human existence, linked to survival and adaptation. According to this perspective, aggression in young children could be seen as a part of their biological development. Such behavior might manifest when children protect their possessions or assert their wishes.
02

Analyze the Social Learning Perspective

The Social Learning theory, propounded by Albert Bandura, emphasizes that children learn aggressive behaviors by observing others, particularly role models like parents, teachers, and peers. An example may include a child employing aggressive behavior as they see their elder sibling getting attention or having their way by using such behaviors. They learn to imitate without comprehending the social and moral implications of aggression.
03

Analyze the Cognitive Perspective

The Cognitive approach considers how children's thoughts can lead to aggression. This hypothesis supports that children who interpret others' actions as hostile may respond more aggressively than those who interpret the same actions as non-hostile. For instance, a child may retaliate aggressively to a friendly poke from a peer, misinterpreting it as a hostile act.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain how preschool-age children develop a concept of themselves. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, preschool-age children move from the autonomy-versusshame-and-doubt stage (18 months to 3 years) to the initiative-versus-guilt stage (ages 3 to 6 ). Preschoolers' selfconcepts are formed partly from their own perceptions and estimations of their characteristics, partly from their parents' behavior toward them, and partly from cultural influences.

Analyze how children's theory of mind changes during the preschool years. Children's theory of mind continues to develop during the preschool period, enabling them to see the world increasingly from others' perspectives. Preschoolers begin to understand how others think and why they do the things they do, and through imaginative play, they begin to grasp the difference between reality and imagination.

Explain how children's brains change and develop during the preschool years.

Describe the sorts of social relationships that are typical of preschool-age children. Play among preschoolers is an important form of social learning. Children generally move from parallel play, to onlooker play, to associative play, and ultimately to cooperative play. In the preschool period, social relationships begin to encompass genuine friendships, which involve trust and endure over time.

Describe the changing nature of families and the diversity of parenting styles preschoolers experience. Families change in nature and structure over the years, but a strong and positive home environment is essential to children's healthy development. Parental disciplinary styles differ both individually and culturally. In the United States and other Western societies, parents' styles tend to be mostly authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, and authoritative. The authoritative style is regarded as the most effective.
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