Research Journal Article Critique: Vygotsky

Research Journal Article Critique: Vygotsky

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Research Journal Article Critique: Vygotsky

Question 1

The article is an evaluation of various human development theories, by different psychologists for instance Sigmund Freud, Lev Vygotsky, Jena Piaget, Albert Bandura, among others. It gives elaborate explanations on various definitions within the context. The article also provides an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the theories, and at the same time, making comparisons. It also provides real life applications of the theories, in order for the reader to comprehend the concepts. In this case, the focus is on Lev Vygotsky’s socio cultural theory of human development. The strengths of the theory as provided by the article include the emphasis on socio cultural context, the ease of integration of learning and development, and the sensitivity to the diversity of development. The weaknesses as indicated include the vagueness of the zone of proximal development concept, Vygotsky’s inadequate attention to developmental issues, the difficulties of studying cultural and historical concepts of the theory, among others (Miller, 2011).

Question 2

The article is quite interesting and informative, as it not only helps the reader explore the various human development theories in psychology, but it also provides a critique to these theories. Additionally, the critique is not just stated but also elaborated, compounded with facts, and other comparisons drawn from other theories.

Question 3

The article’s strength lies in its ability to provide the reader with elaborate information on the various theories, as opposed to most, which focus on only one. Therefore, this imparts vast knowledge on the reader, who may not be aware of other theories that are mentioned in the journal article. In addition, the article’s critique on Vygotsky’s theory is indeed resourceful as it is sometimes difficult for readers to identify effortlessly the strengths and weaknesses of a theory. The fact that the article provides a clear critique, supported with evidence from the theories makes it reliable, thus giving it strength.

Question 4

However much the article a critique to the theory, it focuses more on the weaknesses than it does on the strength. It is inevitable to provide both a negative and positive criticism; however, it is also important to balance it out in order to remove any suspicions of biasness from the author. The author writes on different theories, which are an advantage to a wide reader, however, it is tedious for that reader focusing on Vygotsky’s theory because one has to scroll down in order to find the relevant information. If the author had focused on one theory alone, it would have been much easier to obtain the required information without having to look through irrelevant texts from the article.

Question 5

The criticism in the article is important, as it had helped me as the reader to be able to relate the theory with real life experiences. For instance, the author notes that one of the strengths of the theory is the integration of learning and development, in which she explains how the level of development of a child affects their learning of the next concept (Hua Liu & Matthews, 2005). It is as to relate that to real life, as a five-year-old child easily learns how to count, compared to one who is three years old. The information in the article can be used to make constructive comparisons, with other human development theories by various psychologists. By doing so, the reader gains a better perspective in human development and builds on their ability to relate and apply the theory to real life situations, and explain human behavior in an elaborate manner.

References

Hua Liu, C., & Matthews, R. (2005). Vygotsky’s philosophy: Constructivism and its criticisms examined. International Education Journal, 2005,, 6(3), 386-399.

Miller, P. H. (2011). Theories of developmental psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.