Psychology 2320A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Social Cognition, White Matter, Adrenal Gland

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2320A/B
• Professor: Jeff St.Pierre

Document Summary

Defining child abnormality is complex and involves: context of children"s ongoing adaptation and development, sorting out the most probably cause of identified problems. Study of abnormal child behaviour requires an understanding of developmental process and of individual and situational events that can influence the course and direction of a particular child"s life. Studying normal development informs our theories of abnormal development and vice versa. To understand maladaptive behaviour, one must view it in relation to what is considered normative. (refer to case study!) Theory: a language of science that allows us to assemble and communicate exisiting knowledge effectively: allows us to make educated guesses and predictions about behaviour based on samples of knowledge. Etiology: the study of causes of childhood disorders: considers how bio, psychological and environmental processes interact to produce outcomes ovserved over time. Multiple, interactive causes- rather than one d models, help in understanding the complexity of the disorders.