Action in Development—Development in Action

Abstract

This chapter begins with a discussion of basic assumptions underlying both action and development, turns to a consideration of new hypotheses generated by the synthesis of action and developmental perspectives in an area of particular interest to the present authors: the relationship between beliefs about control and action, especially cognitive performance. The basic premise of action theory is that human beings interpret their own and others’ behavior in terms of action-related concepts such as goals, plans, intentions, and beliefs and that their actions are in part determined by those reflexive interpretations. Action theory can enrich the study of the relation between personality and cognitive development in several ways. The action-theory perspective suggests several ways in which personal control beliefs may be further differentiated. Learned helplessness may be considered one example of the relation between control beliefs and effortful performance. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the relationship between individual action and interpersonal interaction.

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