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.