T

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.