PSYCH 223 - Chapter 1: Introduction to Lifespan Development

lectures from Prof. Vrushali Rao Gumnur

What demographics of people would you generally have the most similarities with? Why?

You’ll have more similarities with others in your age group because you’ve gone through the same developmental milestones

What is lifespan development?

The scientific study of patterns of growth, change, and stability in behaviours that occurs throughout the entire life span

What is development?

A continuing process referring to any change throughout the lifespan (growth or decline)

How do developmental psychologists approach studying human development?

A scientific approach; core beliefs:

• Development is continuous

• Development follows a non linear pattern

• Changes throughout development can be predicted using theory

What exactly are developmental psychologists looking at when studying development?

Study change but also consistency and stability of developmental patterns

What are the three main areas of study of lifespan development?

1. Physical development

2. Cognitive development

3. Personality and social development

What are the defining characteristics of studying physical development?

Emphasizes how the brain, nervous system, muscles, sensory capabilities, and needs for food/drink/sleep affect behaviour

What are the defining characteristics of studying cognitive development?

Emphasizes intellectual abilities, including learning, memory, problem solving, and intelligence

What are the defining characteristics of studying personality and social development?

Emphasizes enduring characteristics that differentiate one person from another, and how interactions withy others and social relationships grow and change over the lifetime

What do all areas of study in developmental psychology address?

Both typical and atypical development as well as the influence of moderating factors

What is moderation in developmental psychology?

Motivating factors of development → environments/experiences lead to different outcomes

What are the age ranges/developmental stages looked at in developmental psychology?

1. Prenatal period (conception to birth)

2. Infancy (0-3 years)

3. Early childhood (3-6 years)

4. Middle childhood (6-12 years)

5. Adolescence/Late childhood (12-20 years)

6. Young adulthood (20-40 years)

7. Middle adulthood (40-60 years)

8. Late adulthood (60 years to death)

Are developmental stages and age ranges concrete and universal?