Introduction spring 2025

Introduction

• Overview of the course with two instructors: Stephanie Wagner, PhD and Uju Berry, MD.

Syllabus Review

• Key elements discussed in the syllabus related to the course content.

Big 5 Personality Factors

• Factor I: Extroversion — also known as Surgency or Positive Emotionality.

  • High scoring individuals are outgoing and social.

  • Low scoring individuals tend to be reclusive.

• Results Summary

  • Includes raw score and percentile ranking of test takers to measure personality traits.

Discussion Questions on Slido

• Queries regarding deadlines and formats for discussion posts and weekly responses.

• Clarification on final exam schedules and grading criteria.

Formative Experiences

• Importance of childhood experiences in shaping adulthood.

• Reflection on personal positive and negative experiences.

Understanding Growth

• Contextual questions about the meaning of growing up.

• Concerns about parenting impact on psychological development.

What Does It Mean to Be Alive?

• Definition by Herbert Spencer emphasizing the dynamic nature of living things.

End of Development Debate

• John Dewey's perspective on child development and the Nature vs. Nurture debate.

  • Advocated for 'Nurture' side, recognizing the role of environment in development.

  • Modern take: Acknowledge interactions between genes and environment.

Child Development Overview

• Describes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes in childhood.

• Quotes from Parke RD & Gauvain on contemporary child psychology.

Child Poverty Rates

• Statistical data on child poverty in various countries, highlighting the severe impact in the US compared to others.

  • Emphasizes international comparisons and sheds light on socio-economic challenges.

Definitions of Key Terms

Formative Experiences

• Events that significantly shape an individual's growth and development.

Transitions

• The process of moving from one stage of development to another.

Context

• The environmental and situational factors that affect individual experiences.

Major Themes in Developmental Theory

1. Nature vs. Nurture

   • Debate on whether behaviors are genetic or learned.

2. Continuity vs. Discontinuity

   • Discusses gradual vs. stage-wise development.

3. Stability vs. Change

   • Questions whether personal characteristics change over time.

4. Early vs. Later Experiences

   • Influence of childhood vs. adult experiences on development.

Developmental Trajectories

• Overview of human brain development and associated changes throughout the lifespan, emphasizing neurogenesis and synaptic changes during critical periods.

Stability vs. Change

• Key discussions focusing on personality stability over time and factors that contribute to personality development.

Early vs. Later Experiences

• Acknowledgment that while childhood experiences significantly impact later life, many overcome adverse childhood experiences, showcasing resilience.

Conclusion

• References to external media such as the Netflix series 'Babies' to explore themes of child development.