The draughtsman's contract

Journal/Book: New Idea Psychol. 1997; 15: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 227-234.

Abstract: This commentary on Feldman and Fowler's The Nature(s) of developmental change addresses three issues. First, it discusses the concept of a ''portfolio theory'' and argues that the authors' nonuniversal developmental theory is such a theory and that it adds relevant insights to the existing conceptualizations of development. Second, it discusses a potential problem in such theories, namely oversimplification of the relationships implied by the available theoretical concepts (irrespective of the issue of whether those concepts are sufficiently clearly defined). The point is illustrated with an analysis of the structure of relationships based on a simple model of development and learning. Third, Feldman and Fowler's notion of equilibration as a mechanism is criticized and replaced by equilibration as a process based on various mechanisms. These mechanisms have an underlying abstract form which has been transformed into a computational dynamic systems model capable of explaining a host of distinct patterns of change, learning and development.

Note: Editorial VanGeert P, Univ Groningen, Dept Psychol, Grote Kruisstr 2-1, NL-9712 Ts Groningen, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): VYGOTSKY; PIAGET

Zurück | Weiter