Intentional Action as a Paradigm for Developmental Psychology: A Symposium

Abstract

This symposium is devoted to the question of whether and to what extent action may constitute a useful paradigm for developmental psychology, where ‘action’ is understood as voluntary behavior employed by the agent as a means of attaining certain ends. In the first contribution, Brandtstädter enlarges upon this definition, summarizes the multiple roots of action theory in psychology, and discusses some ways that an action orientation might contribute to psychological thinking with regard to aging and development. Meacham continues the discussion, emphasizing the social and interpersonal aspects of action, especially as described in Soviet psychology. An example of empirical action research is presented by Mischel, with the finding that children’s knowledge of effective delay strategies was related to their actual ability to delay gratification. Another application of the action perspective is provided by Skinner and Chapman in an effort to understand the relation between control beliefs and cognitive development. In their respective discussions of these papers, Youniss and Baltes frame the issues in terms of the individual versus the social mind and causes versus reasons as explanatory constructs.

Action Perspectives on Human Development

“…Presumably, one reason for this neglect lies in the traditional preoccupation of developmental research with the formative periods from early childhood to adolescence. In the same measure, interest in action-theoretical perspectives has grown during the past decades (e.g., Brandtstädter, 1984aBrandtstädter, , 1984bBrandtstädter, , 2001Brandtstädter & Lerner, 1999;Bruner, 1990b;Chapman, 1984;Crockett, 2002;Dannefer, 1984;Eckensberger & Meacham, 1984;J. It is certainly no mere coincidence that early proponents of action-theoretical perspectives were simultaneously advocates of a life-span perspective in development;Charlotte Bühler (1933) is a prominent example.…”

Toward an action‐theoretical model of personality

“…They have received increasing attention in literature (e.g. Chapman, 1984;Feather, 1982;Frese and Sabini, 1985). Historically, action theory is a heterogeneous interdisciplinary research programme.…”

Ordinary Explanations and Career Theories

“…Recently, another theoretical position has emerged, under the name action theory (Chapman, 1984b;Eckensberger & Meacham, 1984), that can be grouped with person-centered enabling explanations. Essentially, in action theory the person's "reportable intentions, plans, expectancies, and beliefs can potentially make a difference in determining his or her subsequent actions" (Chapman, 1984a, p. 140).…”

“…These explanations subsequently orient future behavior and observations. The perspective of ordinary explanations assumes that much of the behavior of human beings is meaningful to them and that the individual's understanding of the meaning and implications of his or her own actions is instrumental in the further development of the person (Chapman, 1984b, Eckensberger & Meacham, 1984Shotter, 1983).…”