10 Questions
What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?
The scientific study of systematic processes of change and stability in development
How is development characterized in developmental psychology?
Coherent and organized
Which aspect is NOT considered in the study of developmental psychology?
Biological disorders
In the context of developmental psychology, what does it mean for development to be adaptive?
It is aimed at dealing with internal and external conditions of existence
What is the significance of the study mentioned by Papalia et.al, (2009)?
It emphasizes the coherence and organization of developmental changes
Which factor is considered under the category of 'Nature' influences on human development?
twin studies
What term describes the unfolding of a natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes?
maturation
What development typically involves maturation?
walking
Which influence falls under the category of 'Nurture'?
adoption studies
According to Papalia & Martorell, 2021, what is closely tied to the maturation of the body and brain in early childhood?
ability to walk and talk
Study Notes
Developmental Psychology
- 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.
Characteristics of Development
- Systematic: coherent and organized.
- Adaptive: aimed at dealing with internal and external conditions of existence.
- Studies both change and stability in human development.
Influences on Human Development
- 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.
Nature vs. Nurture
- Nurture encompasses environmental influences, with adoption studies being a key method of research in this area.
Maturation and Development
- 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.
Quiz on the scientific study of human development across the lifespan, covering cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes.
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