Problem:
In chapter 13 of the textbook, Feldman goes into depth about how William Perry and K. Warner Schaie view cognitive development. A key comparison among the two is that they agree that cognitive development is something that continues into adulthood. However, they focus on different aspects of how thinking changes over time.
Perry's theory focuses on how people understand knowledge and truth, especially during young adulthood. He suggested that many college-aged individuals begin with dualistic thinking, where they see issues as having clear right or wrong answers. As they mature, they move toward relativistic thinking, recognizing that knowledge can be complex, uncertain, and influenced by context. Eventually, some individuals reach commitment within relativism, where they are able to make thoughtful decisions despite ambiguity. Perry's model emphasizes the development of more flexible and sophisticated ways of thinking.
Schaie's theory focuses on how people use intelligence at different stages of life. Feldman (2014) explains that Schaie described several stages, including the acquisitive stage, learning for its own sake, the achieving stage, applying knowledge to goals such as career and family, and the responsible stage, using knowledge to care for others and manage responsibilities. His theory highlights the practical and functional use of cognition across adulthood.
A key similarity is that both theories show that cognitive development does not stop in adolescence. However, Perry emphasizes how adults think about knowledge, while Schaie emphasizes how adults use cognition in everyday life. Need Assignment Help?
Reference: Feldman, R. S. (2014). Development across the life span (10th ed.). Pearson.
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