DSW 1103 – Week 2

DSW 1103 Developmental Psychology 1: Week 2

  • Instructor: Mrs. Ornetta Waldron

Learning Outcomes

  • At the end of today's lesson, students should be able to:

    • Define developmental psychology

    • Be familiar with concepts of life span development

    • Examine the process of human development

    • Identify the major domains of development

    • Discuss the periods of human development

Key Concepts in Development

What is Development?

  • Development involves systematic continuities and changes from conception to death (Shaffer & Kipp, 2010).

  • Orderly and sequential changes occur as an organism progresses through life stages (Crandell et al., 2009).

Developmental Psychology

  • Concerned with how individuals change over time while maintaining certain aspects.

  • It captures social, emotional, moral, and intellectual growth throughout the life span (Bernstein & Nash, 2005).

Life-Span Concepts

  • Developmental Continuities: Stability over time reflecting individual history.

  • Normative Development: Common developmental changes seen in most individuals.

  • Ideographic Development: Unique variations in developmental progression among individuals.

  • Plasticity: Potential for change influenced by experiences.

  • Holistic Perspective: Interrelationships among physical, social, and emotional aspects.

Additional Theories and Definitions

  • Theory: Framework for organizing and explaining observations.

  • Tabula Rasa: Concept of the newborn as a 'blank slate.'

  • Maturation: Developmental changes due to aging, distinct from learning.

  • Learning: Permanent changes resulting from experiences or practice.

Processes of Human Development

Growth

  • Biological processes that lead to increased size and cell count.

  • Growth levels off as sexual maturity is attained; some continue growing until death.

Maturation

  • Automatic progression of biological potential in a fixed sequence.

  • Development of organs and limbs related to functional capabilities.

  • Changes are generally independent of environmental influence under normal conditions.

Learning

  • Permanent behavior modification due to environmental experiences.

  • Encompasses the entire lifespan, working in conjunction with growth and maturation.

Learning vs. Maturation

Learning

Maturation

Acquiring knowledge and skills through experience

Becoming developed both mentally and physically

Primarily a mental process

Involves both mental and physical growth

Happens through experience and practice

Occurs naturally without external stimuli

Domains of Development

Biological Processes

  • Includes changes such as weight, height, and organ structure development.

  • Puberty represents a significant stage of biological changes.

Cognitive Processes

  • Changes in mental activities including perception, memory, and reasoning.

  • Adolescence marks growth in intellectual capabilities.

Socioemotional Processes

  • Changes in personality, emotions, and relationships.

  • Adolescence is a critical period for redefining social roles and status.

Generational Characteristics

Generations Overview

  • Builders (1925-1945): Resilient, hard-working, experienced Great Depression.

  • Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Advocated for social changes, focused on education and independence.

  • Generation X (1965-1981): Seen as self-oriented, faced socio-economic changes.

  • Millennials (1982-1994): Diverse and community-oriented, prioritize education.

  • Generation Z (1995-2010): Digital natives, entrepreneurial, diverse perspectives.

  • Generation Alpha (2010-2024): Born into a deeply digital world.

Periods of Human Development

Chronological Overview

  1. Prenatal Period: Conception to birth.

  2. Infancy: First year of life.

  3. Toddlerhood: 1.5 to 3 years of age.

  4. Preschool Period: 3 to 5 years of age.

  5. Middle Childhood: 5 to 12 years, until puberty.

  6. Adolescence: 12 to 20 years, transitioning to independence.

  7. Young Adulthood: 20 to 40 years.

  8. Middle Age: 40 to 65 years.

  9. Old Age: 65 years and older.

Developmental Characteristics by Age

  • Detailed characteristics during prenatal and postnatal life stages are critical for understanding development.

Course Assessment

  • Written Paper: 10%

  • Final Exam: 60% (December 10, 2024)

  • Presentation: 10%

  • Mid-Semester Quiz: 20% (October 25, 2024)

  • Total Grade: 100%

Inspirational Quote

  • "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." - James A. Baldwin.