Developmental Psychology

What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?

How is development characterized in developmental psychology?

Which aspect is NOT considered in the study of developmental psychology?

In the context of developmental psychology, what does it mean for development to be adaptive?

What is the significance of the study mentioned by Papalia et.al, (2009)?

Which factor is considered under the category of 'Nature' influences on human development?

What term describes the unfolding of a natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes?

What development typically involves maturation?

Which influence falls under the category of 'Nurture'?

According to Papalia & Martorell, 2021, what is closely tied to the maturation of the body and brain in early childhood?

The scientific study of systematic processes of change and stability in all domains of development.
Examines development throughout all periods of the life span.
Focuses on how thinking, feeling, and behavior change throughout a person's life.

There are two primary ways to describe influences on human development: Nature and Nurture.
Nature refers to heredity, genetic factors, and biological processes, with twin studies being a key method of research in this area.

Nurture encompasses environmental influences, with adoption studies being a key method of research in this area.

Maturation refers to the unfolding of a natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes.
Many typical changes in infancy and early childhood, such as the abilities to talk and walk, are tied to the maturation of the body and brain.
The concept of maturation is important to consider when distinguishing between developmental changes that are maturational (i.e., driven by internal factors) versus those that are influenced by external factors.