The psychology of childhood
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| The psychology of childhood -Naomi Norsworthy |
From introduction:
This book is written with a view to its use in normal schools. A course in general psychology is presupposed since no space is devoted to the explanation of common psychological terms, though a glossary is added for easy reference.
The authors are of opinion that the study of a special branch, such as child psychology, should follow rather than precede, or even accompany, a study of the more general science. It is intended for a textbook, not for reference reading.
To this end, special features have been employed, e.g. marginal questions as well as topical headings, only limited references, and sets of questions with each chapter. These last are of two distinct kinds, "exercises" and "questions for discussion."
The former consist of problem queries to be answered in writing, directions for observations, and field work; the latter is suggested for oral use in the classroom. Either or both kinds are given for each chapter. They have been tested by use, and it is believed that greater value will be secured if they are utilised in the manner indicated.
The references following each chapter are in no way supposed to be adequate indexes of source material, but they suggest what may reasonably be required of a group of students working with a good-sized library at command. Constant emphasis has been thrown on the physiological basis of the tendencies discussed, and Thorndike's classification of instincts, on the basis of the responses made, is adhered to throughout.
Though in some instances suggestions for teaching are made, the greatest space is devoted to a descriptive study of children as differentiated from adults. viii Introduction For immature students it may be found easier to begin with chapter II, postponing or omitting chapter I, also the last part of chapter XVII which deals wholly with statistics.
Some contents:
PREFATORY NOTE v
INTRODUCTION vii
CHAPTER I
THE SOURCE OF ORIGINAL NATURE i
THK CONTRIBUTION OF NEAR ANCESTRY . . . . i
The resemblance in families i
Specialized inheritance ....... 3
Variation 5
Regression 6
Non'transmission of acquired traits 6
Nature versus nurture 7
Gallon's work 8
Studies of twins g
Study of royalty 10
THE CONtRIBUTION OF SEX 11
THE CONTRIBUTION OF RACE 13
Wood^orth's tests 14
Recent investigations 15
Improvement of the race as a whole 17
CONCLUSION 18
EXERCISE^ 20
QUESTIONS ............ 20
CHAPTER II
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ORIGINAL NATURE . . .21
DEPENDENCE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE 21
TYPES OF ORIGINAL RESPONSES 22
CHARACTERISTICS OF ORIGINAL RESPONSES ... 23
They are mechanical 23
They are constant 24
They are delayed 26
They are transitory 27
METHODS OF MODIFYING ORIGINAL NATURE. 29
Disuse or stimulation 30
Unpleasant or pleasant results 31
Substitution and sublimation 31
