Chapter 1 Topic - 1-3.pptx (1)

Developmental Psychology Overview

Introduction to Human Development

• Course Title: PSD 105

• Chapter: 1

• This chapter provides an introduction to developmental psychology, outlining its significance and scope in studying human growth and development over a lifespan.

Course Objectives

• 1. Basic Concepts: Understand the foundational ideas in developmental psychology including principles and modern trends.

• 2. Application of Concepts: Learn to apply theoretical knowledge and concepts of developmental psychology in everyday life.

The Science of Human Development

Key Characteristics

1. Five Characteristics of Development: Understanding these traits is essential to grasp how development operates over various life stages.

2. Research Methods: Familiarize with different research methods including:

   • Cross-Sectional Studies: Comparing different age groups at a single point in time.

   • Longitudinal Studies: Following the same individuals over a period of time to assess change.

Heredity and Environment

• Development is influenced by the complex interaction of heredity (genetics) and environment (experiences).

• Understanding the genetic code and the transition from genotype (genetic makeup) to phenotype (expressed traits) is crucial.

• Key focus on Prenatal Development, Birth, and the characteristics of a Newborn.

Life-Span Perspective

Definition and Importance

• The Life-span Perspective emphasizes that development continues throughout an individual's life, not limited to early childhood or adulthood.

• Ages are categorized into various stages:

  • Infancy: 0 to 2 years

  • Early Childhood: 2 to 6 years

  • Middle Childhood: 6 to 11 years

  • Adolescence: 11 to 18 years

  • Emerging Adulthood: 18 to 25 years

  • Adulthood: 25 to 65 years

  • Late Adulthood: 65 years and older

Five Characteristics of Development

Multidirectional Development

• Development exhibits multiple changes that can occur in any direction; traits may appear or vanish over time.

• Evidence suggests that development does not strictly progress in a linear fashion but can be both continuous and discontinuous.

Critical and Sensitive Periods

• Critical Period: Critical windows where specific developmental growth must occur. (e.g., Thalidomide effects)

• Sensitive Period: Times when development is most likely to happen, although it can still occur later with more difficulty (e.g., language acquisition).

Multicontextual Development

• Contextual factors impact development:

  • Physical Contexts: Climate, environment, noise levels, etc.

  • Family Contexts: Marital status, family dynamics, etc.

  • Community Contexts: Urban vs. rural settings and their social implications.

Ecological-Systems Approach

Bronfenbrenner's Contribution

• Urie Bronfenbrenner introduced an ecological-systems perspective which emphasizes the multifaceted contexts that affect an individual's development.

• Microsystems: Immediate surroundings such as family and friends.

• Exosystems: Influential local institutions (e.g., schools).

• Macrosystems: Wider societal factors including cultural and economic aspects.

• Chronosystems: The historical context of development.

• Mesosystems: Interconnections between various systems influencing the individual.

Multicultural and Multidisciplinary Development

Importance of Cultural Context

• Culture shapes behaviors and beliefs; it is a social construction that influences perceptions of age and development.

• Ethnic Groups and Race: Definitions and distinctions among various cultural identities are crucial to understand developmental psychology.

Multidisciplinary Approach

• Human development benefits from insights across various scientific disciplines, encouraging a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of growth and change.

Plasticity in Development

Concept of Plasticity

• Plasticity refers to the capacity for change in an individual's development, suggesting that traits can be shaped while maintaining an enduring identity.

• Acknowledges that genes can influence an individual’s susceptibility to experiences in a dynamic manner.

Dynamic Systems Perspective

• Development is an ongoing, interactive process influenced by various factors across different systems, ensuring that developmental change is a constant.

Summary of Developmental Perspectives

• Development is multidirectional, influenced by diverse contexts, and affected by cultural and socioeconomic dynamics.

• The interplay of genetics, environment, and multiple disciplines offers a holistic understanding of human development, which is always plastic and evolving.

Research Methods in Developmental Psychology

Overview of Research Designs

• Developmental psychologists employ various research methods to study human development:

  • Cross-Sectional Research: Analyzes different age groups at one point in time.

  • Longitudinal Research: Studies the same individuals over a period to track changes.

  • Cross-Sequential Research: Combines both approaches, studying groups of various ages over time to enhance findings.

Genetics and Environment

Core Concepts

• DNA as the fundamental building block of genetic information; composed of chromosomes (46 total).

• Understanding how genes encode proteins essential for growth and development.

• Alleles: Variants of genes that can significantly impact traits, from benign to critical diseases.

• Different gene expressions (genotype vs phenotype) and their implications in developmental outcomes.

Research on Human Genetics

• Human Genome Project: Mapping of human genetic makeup revealing fewer genes than initially thought but highlighting common genetic material across species.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Zygote: Result of fertilization, containing genetic material from both parents.

• Homozygous/Heterozygous: Terms describing gene pair compatibility affecting phenotype expression.

• Epigenetics: Study of environmental impacts on gene expression, emphasizing the nature-nurture interaction more closely.

Prenatal Development Phases

1. Germinal Period: Fertilization to two weeks with initial cell division.

2. Embryonic Period: Essential body structures develop during weeks three to eight.

3. Fetal Period: Development continues until birth, involving growth and refinement of body systems.