PSYCH 130 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1.6: Ecological Systems Theory, Cultural-Historical Psychology, Lev Vygotsky

• School: UCLA
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH 130
• Professor: elizabethdarvick

Document Summary

Comparisons across cultures and between ethnic groups within cultures provide insight as to whether developmental pathways apply to all children or are limited to particular environmental conditions. Sociocultural theory: how culture (values, beliefs, customs and skills) is transmitted to the next generation. Social interaction, esp cooperative dialogues between children and more knowledgeable members of society, is necessary for children to acquire the ways of thinking and behaving that make up a community"s culture. Communication becomes part of children"s thinking internalize dialogues guides their thoughts and actions. Vygotsky viewed cognitive development as a socially mediated process which depends on assistance from adults and more expert peers. E. g. acquisition of language participate in dialogue surge in mastery of cultural competencies. Dialogues lead to continuous changes in cognition that vary from culture to culture. Culture selects different tasks for learning social interaction surrounding tasks competencies essential for success. Neglected biological side of development; said little about role in cognitive change.