Why We Made This:
We designed this visual guide to make the foundational theories of human development clear to understand and apply. Folks often find it overwhelming to memorize and differentiate between the numerous developmental models that span cognitive, social, and emotional growth. This guide presents the most influential theories by Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud, and Erikson through vivid visuals, clear explanations, and relatable examples, helping you connect theory to real life.
 
Learning Objectives:
Explain Piaget’s stages of cognitive development and the processes of assimilation and accommodation.
Identify the characteristics of each of Piaget’s sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages.
Compare and contrast Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s views on development, including scaffolding and the zone of proximal development.
Describe Freud’s psychosexual stages of development and understand how fixation can impact later life.
Outline Erikson’s eight psychosocial stages and distinguish between successful and unsuccessful outcomes at each stage.
Apply examples of adolescent egocentrism, personal fable, and imaginary audience to real-world situations.
Recognize how cultural and social factors influence development, as emphasized by Vygotsky.