Ch 3 psyc

Chapter 3: Human Development

Overview

• Key Themes of Developmental Psychology

• Research Designs for Studying Development

• Different stages: Prenatal Development, Infants and Toddlers, Early and Middle Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood

Themes of Developmental Psychology

Nature Vs. Nurture

• Both biological (genetic) and environmental factors shape human traits.

• Their influences interact bi-directionally, indicating interdependence.

Continuity Vs. Discontinuity

• Continuous Development: Gradual growth and change; skills build on previous skills.

• Discontinuous Development: Development progresses through critical periods with abrupt changes or distinct stages.

• Both continuous and discontinuous processes are observed in development.

Stability Vs. Change

• Does an individual’s traits remain constant or change due to environment?

• Research explores factors contributing to both stability and change.

• Cultural diversity persists in behaviors across individualistic and collectivistic societies.

• Evolutionary psychologists study universal traits shared by humans.

Research Designs for Studying Development

• Cross-Sectional Research Design: Compares individuals of different ages on specific dimensions.

• Longitudinal Research Design: Assesses one group of individuals over a period to observe changes.

• Sequential Research Design: Combines both cross-sectional and longitudinal data from a single sample.

Prenatal Development

Stages & Milestones

• Zygote: From conception to 2 weeks; rapid cell division and implantation in the uterus.

• Embryo: 2 weeks to 8/9 weeks; all body parts, organs, and systems formed.

• Fetus: 9 weeks to birth (38 weeks); rapid growth and function of organs.

• Placenta: Supports the developing organism with oxygen and nutrients.

• Critical Periods: Sensitive times for environmental influences.

Teratogens

• Substances/events that cause developmental malformations; most impactful in the first trimester.

• Common teratogens: alcohol, cigarettes, and high-stress levels in mothers; some illnesses and environmental toxins.

Infants and Toddlers

Physical Development and Health

• Cephalocaudal Trend: Development from head to toe.

• Proximodistal Trend: Development from the center outward.

• Primary Reflexes: Such as Babinski, Moro, and rooting reflexes.

Infant Perception

• Vision: Least developed at birth; near-sightedness, reaching adult levels by 6 months.

• Hearing: Well developed; infants prefer high-pitched sounds and mother's voice.

• Taste and Smell: Preferences for tastes at birth; can recognize mother’s scent.

• Importance of touch for development and brain growth.

Health & Safety

• Breastfeeding recommended for infant health; accidental injuries are a leading cause of death.

• SIDS prevention measures have reduced risks significantly.

Cognitive Development (Piaget)

• Schemata: Mental structures for making sense of experiences.

• Assimilation: Integrating new information into existing schemas.

• Accommodation: Modifying existing schemas with new information.

Social and Emotional Development (Erikson)

• Basic Trust Vs. Mistrust (0-18 months): Relationships with caregivers;

• Autonomy Vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months – 3 years): Developing independence.

Early and Middle Childhood

Physical Development

• Continues steadily; rapid motor skills development.

Health & Safety

• Accidents and chronic conditions are common health issues.

• Addressing malnutrition and obesity impact health.

Cognitive Development (Piaget)

• Preoperational Stage (2-6 years): Symbolic representation, egocentrism, magical thinking.

• Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years): Logical reasoning, conservation, and decentration.

Social and Emotional Development

• Initiative Vs. Guilt: Asserting independence and initiative;

• Industry Vs. Inferiority: Learning new skills and avoiding feelings of incompetence.

• Self-esteem development influenced by various factors.

Parenting Styles (Baumrind)

• Different parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, neglectful) impact child outcomes.

Adolescence

Physical Growth and Health

• Growth spurts and onset of puberty differ by gender.

• Risks associated with earlier puberty.

Cognitive Development (Piaget)

• Formal Operational Stage: Hypothetical thinking and problem-solving abilities develop.

• Egocentrism shifts towards a personal fable and imaginary audience.

Social and Emotional Development

• Identity Vs. Role Confusion: Establishing personal identity.

• Impact of peer influence and social acceptance on self-esteem.

Adulthood

Physical Development

• Peak physical abilities in early adulthood, declines in middle and late adulthood.

• Aging types: primary (natural changes) and secondary (caused by lifestyle).

Cognitive Development

• Cognitive abilities can decline in late adulthood, but many remain intact.

Socioemotional Development

• Intimacy Vs. Isolation: Seeking close relationships in young adulthood;

• Generativity Vs. Stagnation: Making contributions to the next generation in middle adulthood;

• Ego Integrity Vs. Despair: Reflecting on life in late adulthood.