Intro to Psychology - Human Development

Human Development

process of change and stability

lifespan

human development as a lifelong process

physical development

growth of the body and brain including motor skills and health

Cognitive Development

mental ability patterns , learning, attention, language

psychological development

change in emotion and social relationships

influences on development

hereditary, environment, maturation

what is psychology

study of the mind: how people think, feel, and act

mind

refers to internal processes, thoughts, and feelings

behavior

observable actions

scientific discipline

employing scientific methods to interpret human behavior

philosophy and medicine

philosophers thought about human behavior. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, explored the connection between the mind and body

18th century : dualism

descartes — dualism — the mind and body are separate

19th century : Wundt

father of psychology : first lab marking transition of psych from philosophy to scientific discipline

James

father of American psychology: study of consciousness

20th century: sigmund freud

psychoanalysis , unconscious motives

behaviorism

Paulov and skinner on observable behavior and learning effects

evolution of psych

empiricism: role of evidence , in perception in the formation of ideas.

interdisciplinary nature

integrates bio, sociology, anthropology, and computer science

diverse approaches

various perspectives : cognitive, behavioral, humanistic contribute to understanding human behavior

applied fields

health, education , criminal justice

clinical psych

treatment of mental disorders

educational psych

learning and teaching

developmental psych

how people change and grow throughout life

social psych:

influence

neuropsych

brain x behavior

experimental methods

manipulation of variables

case studies

patients that study the behavior of certain mental disorders, even physical damages to the brain

naturalistic observation

studying behavior con context

Prenatal

• basic body structures form

• physical growth rapid

• vulnerable to environment

• development of sensory stimuli

• fetus responds to the mother’s voice and develops a preference

infancy to toddler

• brain grows and is sensitive

• physical growth is rapid

• abilities to learn are present

• symbols and abilities to solve problems

• comprehension

• attachment to parents

• selfawareness

• dependence toward autonomy

• interest in other children

early childhood

• growth is steady

• appetite diminishes

• sleep problems

• handedness appears

• motor and emotion skills improve

• understanding

• immaturity = illogical ideas

• memory improve

• intelligence becomes predictable

middle childhood

• growth slows

• strength develops

• health is generally better

• logically thinking

• memory increase

• signs of special educational needs

• reflects shift in control from parents to child

adolescence

• growth is rapid

• reproductive maturity

• health risks from behavioral issues

• use of scientific reasoning

• immature thinking persists

• peer group can influence positive or negative

emerging and young adulthood

• condition peaks

• judgments more complex

• traits stable

• personality changes

• intimate relationships are established not long lasting

middle adulthood

• slow deterioration of sensory abilities, health, stamina, and strength

• abilities peak

• burnout from career

• identity develops

late adulthood

• healthy and active

• slowing reaction time affects

• mentally alert

• memory deteriorate in some areas

• flexible strategies to cope from loses and impending death.