Theories of Developmental Psychology [Paperback]

Patricia H. Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1993 | ISBN-10: 0716723093 | ISBN-13: 978-0716723097 | Edition: 3rd

This third edition of the book offers a current and comprehensive presentation of the main theories of developmental psychology. The text places the major theories of development in historical and contemporary context, giving readers breadth as well as depth of understanding. New to the third edition: an exciting new chapter that integrates Vygotsky's theory, contextualism, ecological psychology, and cultural psychology; new material on Piaget in the last few years before his death; new views of strategies, capacity, and microgenetic changes; new discussion of issues of domain specificity in information-processing, biological, and Piagetian theories; extensive updating throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...this textbook provides the latest research on the most Influential theories of developmental psychology...[It] offers an invaluable framework for understanding and evaluating the significance of important theories in the field' - International Journal of Psychology --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

The book provides a parallel structure within the chapters that gives students a framework for comparing theoretical approaches. Each major theory is discussed in terms of general orientation, mechanisms of development, and its strengths and weaknesses.

Four central issues of development are addressed in each chapter: Human Nature, Qualitative vs. Quantitative Development, Nature vs. nurture, and What Develops.

Miller offers perspectives on children's behavior for those who interact with children in any capacity. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 498 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co (Sd); 3rd edition (February 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716723093
• ISBN-13: 978-0716723097
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,624,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific overview of major and emerging theories, September 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Theories of Developmental Psychology (Paperback)

This book covers major and emerging theories of lifespan developmental psychology in a clear, focused and critical manner. I use it in the undergraduate developmental psychology courses I teach as a main textbook, and I use it as a recommended supplement to the graduate developmental courses I teach.

While explaining each theory and how it applies to human development, Miller avoids jargon. When she evaluates each theory, Miller isn't afraid to shoot critical arrows at several sacred theories and theorists in psychology when it is appropriate; when she does so, she always backs up her arguments with data from other research and theorists, and always presents the strengths of each model. Unlike many texts, Miller's book includes solid coverage of several theories that are less well-known or that are emerging within the field.

Overall, this is a splendid introduction to developmental psychology.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very complete review of major developmental theories, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Theories of Developmental Psychology (Paperback)

I just finish reading this book for my graduate course in developmental theories. I found this book covers all major developmental theories. The discriptions on each theory are very complete with the inclusion of the theory's strengths and weaknesses. Through the descussion of each theory, the author also occasionally inserts a comparison of the present theory with Piaget's or Freud's stage theories. This really helps me more thoroughly understand various theoretical concepts. The language level of this book is moderate; it should not be too difficult for most students. The only problem I have is that there is a little less clear in language when the author tried to describe some highly complicated concepts such as the Gibson's theory in Chapter 7. I think this problem can be overcome by having a good editor when preparing the next revised edition. Generally speaking, I should clap with applause for having read this book for my course. Thank you! Dr. Miller

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I was going to own one book on Developmental Psychology, this would be it!, October 22, 2006

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Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Theories of Developmental Psychology (Paperback)

This is a great, well-organized and concise treatment of developmental psychology. It covers all the important thinkers in clearly written language. It provides enough detail to understand all the theories, but it is very accessible to the average reader.

This is an excellent textbook, but it doesn't read like one. I think it was well thought out and I use it for reference all the time in my coaching practice. If I want to know the essence of a theory, this is where I go for a thorough review.