The subject, purpose, research methods and basic concepts of developmental psychology

Developmental Psychology

the psychological specialty that documents the course of people’s social, emotional, moral and intellectual development throughout the life span.

Development

a progressive series of changes that occur as a result of maturation and learning.

 Early development is more critical than later development.
 The developmental pattern has predictable characteristics.
 All children follow a similar developmental pattern.
 Development proceeds from general to specific responses.
 Different areas develop at different rates.
 There are individual differences in development

Maturation

refers to any developmental process (such as walking) that is guided by biological or genetic factors. These process occur in a fixed sequence and are usually unaffected by environmental conditions.

Methods

 Surveys
 IQ tests
 Naturalistic observation
 Laboratory experiments
 Case study
 Interviews
 Assessment