Chapter 1 The Study of Human Development

What is Development? –W–When does it begin? –W–When does it end?

Three MAIN issues impact almost aspects of development: Nature v/s Nurture Continuity v/s Discontinuity Universal v/s Context specific

The FOUR components of Development Biological Genetics and Health This is what provides us the raw material to develop from DNA Physical well being

How would you describe yourself?

Component 2: Psychological –The way you describe yourself! Internal perceptions Personality factors –Cognitive processes How you view the world –Emotional Processes How you feel about the world

Component 3 & 4: Sociocultural –Interpersonal relationships –Social Interactions –Cultural/Ethnic background Life-cycle Forces –Differences in how same events impact people at different ages. Imagine having a baby at: 16 years of age, 25 years of age, 45 years of age!

Theories Psychodynamic –Motives and drives – often unconsious influence –Erikson’s Theory Personality development is influenced by internal maturation and external societal demands 8 Stages

Learning How learning influences behaviors –Rewards and punishments –Social Learning Theory Observing others and mimicking –You are more likely to imitate popular, smart, or talented people. Bandura Cognitive Development –Piaget –Kohlberg –Information Processing Theory

How do you think the Environment influences development? Ecological and Systems Approach Bronfebrenner’s Four systems – microsystem mesosystem exosystem macrosystem

Lifespan Perspective –Looks over a lifetime –Generational effect –Two Phases Early Phase (childhood/adolescence) Later Phase (young adulthood, middle age, & old age) –4 Key features Multidirectional Plasticity Historical Multiple Causation –Compensation and optimization throughout lifetime

How do you think people obtain information for research?

Developmental Research Types of Data Collection: –Systematic Observations –Naturalistic Observations –Structured Observations –Self reports Reporting Findings –Reliability –Validity –Correlational Information –Experimental Studies Random Assignment Blinds

Designs Best For Development Longitudinal –Advantages: representational, most direct way –Disadvantages: expensive, drop outs, history effect Cross Sectional –Advantages: Different ages, quicker –Disadvantages: only at one point, cohort effect Sequential –Advantages: offered wider range and multiple age groups –Disadvantages: rare, takes a lot of money and organization

Quick Assignment What have you inherited from your parents? **remember to put your name on this and turn it in as you leave class**