Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering the definitions, types of changes, and research methodologies used in developmental psychology.

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of the changes that occur in people as they age including physical, cognitive, and social development.

Essential Question of Developmental Psychology

How and why do humans grow and change across the lifespan?

Purpose of Research in Developmental Psychology

To understand developmental processes, identify patterns, and apply findings to improve individual and societal well-being.

Quantitative changes

Change in number or amount of something, such as height or weight.

Qualitative changes

Change in kind, structure, or organization, such as ability or skill.

Research Methodology

The way in which a researcher seeks to answer their hypothesis or question.

Cross-Sectional

Type of study in which people of different ages are examined at the same time.

Cohort Effects

Systematic difference between age groups due to cultural changes over time.

Longitudinal

Study that follows the same cohort over a period of time from months to many years in order to evaluate changes in the individual(s).

Cross-Sequential

A method used to combine longitudinal design and cross-sectional design where cohorts in a cross-sectional sample are tested more than once over a specified period of time.