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Nonuniversal theory

Nonuniversal theory is a astronomy topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Nonuniversal theory rather than just read about it. In short: Nonuniversal theory is a theory of cognitive development first created by David Henry Feldman, a professor at the Eliot-Pearson School of Child Development at Tufts University. The theory proposes that development occurs in domain-specific stages (versus the universal stages of Piaget and others).

Key takeaways

  • Nonuniversal theory belongs to astronomy; place it in that map before memorising details.
  • Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
  • Connect Nonuniversal theory to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
  • Reproduce the core statement of Nonuniversal theory from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Nonuniversal theory is a theory of cognitive development first created by David Henry Feldman, a professor at the Eliot-Pearson School of Child Development at Tufts University. The theory proposes that development occurs in domain-specific stages (versus the universal stages of Piaget and others). The stages are: novice, apprentice, journeyman, craftsman, expert and master. The transition of one stage to the next is one of the core concepts of the theory. In it, development begins with the consolidation of a skill set. Outlying skills are brought closer together through integration of advanced skills or development of delayed skills. The next step is elaboration, where new skills are added. This is followed by a period of stagnation, followed by a phase in which a novel skill emerges which is more advanced than the others. This novel skill then pulls the other skills along with it in a phase called reversion. Then the process repeats itself with another stage of consolidation. This continues until the learner reaches the master level. The drive for personal skill development doesn't always cease at this particular point, it can cease at any phase and typically ceases during a protracted stagnation phase.

Sources Feldman, D. H. (ed.) (1994) Beyond Universals in Cognitive Development: Second Edition. Westport, Connecticut: Ablex Publishing. ISBN 1-56750-032-3 (first edition: 1980)

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Nonuniversal theory

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Nonuniversal theory claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In astronomy, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Nonuniversal theory before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Nonuniversal theory ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Nonuniversal theory

In research
Nonuniversal theory appears in astronomy research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry
Engineering practice reuses Nonuniversal theory in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom
Nonuniversal theory is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Developmental psychology, Developmental psychology stubs, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life
Look for Nonuniversal theory outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Nonuniversal theory in 20 minutes

  1. Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
  2. Close the page and write down what Nonuniversal theory means in your own words.
  3. Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
  4. Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
  5. Explain Nonuniversal theory out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nonuniversal theory in simple terms?

Nonuniversal theory is a theory of cognitive development first created by David Henry Feldman, a professor at the Eliot-Pearson School of Child Development at Tufts University. The theory proposes that development occurs in domain-specific stages (versus the universal stages of Piaget and others).

Why does Nonuniversal theory matter?

Because it connects several astronomy ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Nonuniversal theory?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Nonuniversal theory.

Tags

  • Developmental psychology
  • Developmental psychology stubs

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