Human Development: Contextual and Socio-Cultural Influences

Questions and Answers

What does the life span perspective emphasize about development?

Development stops after adolescence

There is no change in adulthood

Development is a lifelong process (correct)

Old age is not part of development

Which of the following accurately describes life expectancy?

The average lifespan of species

The maximum length of life documented

The duration from birth to death

The average number of years one can expect to live (correct)

What is one of the goals of the scientific study of human development?

To modify behavior (correct)

To focus exclusively on adolescence

To eliminate all forms of decline

To only describe behaviors in childhood

How has the scientific study of human development evolved since the 19th century?

Include interests in aging Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the concept of plasticity in human development?

Capacity for change exists Signup and view all the answers

What defines the traditional approach to human development?

Little to no change in old age Signup and view all the answers

In the life span perspective, development is considered multidimensional. What does this mean?

It consists of biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the definition of decline within the life span perspective?

A necessary part of development Signup and view all the answers

Which domain of development focuses on growth of the body and brain?

Biological Development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primarily characteristic feature of the adolescent stage of development?

Transition and identity exploration Signup and view all the answers

Which factor in development refers to inherited characteristics from biological parents?

Hereditary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages is characterized by dependency upon adults and development of psychosocial acts?

Infancy Signup and view all the answers

What is predominantly developed during middle and late childhood?

Self-control and achievement Signup and view all the answers

Which influence on development is described as the totality of non-hereditary factors?

Environment Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes during development?

Maturation Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental stage includes a life review or reminiscing about past experiences?

Late Adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What does biological age refer to?

A person’s age in terms of biological health Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social age?

The roles and expectations society has for a person's age Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the stability and change developmental issue?

It assesses whether traits persist or change over time. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of development, what does continuity refer to?

The gradual and cumulative change throughout life Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Both nature and nurture are essential and complementary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes psychological age?

The adaptive capacities of an individual against peers Signup and view all the answers

What does the term universal context relate to in development?

The debate on common development paths versus varied ones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the interactive forces in the bio-physiology framework?

Political Forces Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Development Overview

Human Development examines change and stability throughout the human life span.
Life-span development indicates that change occurs from conception until death, involving both growth and decline.

Life-Span Perspective

Development is a lifelong process, extending beyond early adulthood.
Traditional approach focuses on significant changes from birth to adolescence, minimal change during adulthood, and decline in old age.
Key concepts:
- Life span: Oldest documented age is 122 years.
- Life expectancy: Average lifespan is currently 78 years (67/70 for males, 74 for females in the Philippines).

Evolution of Human Development Study

Scientific study began in the 19th century, initially focusing on childhood.
Adolescence recognized as a distinct phase by the 20th century.
Life-span development emerged as a significant field due to adult development studies.

Goals of Human Development Research

Describe, explain, predict, and modify behavior.
Developmental scientists analyze quantitative and qualitative changes, as well as stability in personality and behavior.

Life Span Perspective Characteristics

Lifelong: Development continues throughout life, with no endpoint.
Multidimensional: Involves biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions.
Multidirectional: Some developmental components grow while others decrease.
Plastic: Characteristics are malleable and influenced by contexts and socio-cultural factors.
Multidisciplinary: Involves various fields such as psychology and sociology.

Domains of Development

Biological: Changes in physical growth and brain development.
Cognitive: Variations in mental processes like learning and memory.
Psychosocial: Developments in emotional stability, personality, and social relationships.

Influences on Development

Heredity: Inborn traits inherited from biological parents.
Environment: Non-hereditary influences impacting development.
Maturation: Natural progression of physical and behavioral changes.

Developmental Stages

Prenatal: Conception to birth (9 months).
Infancy: Dependency and psychosocial development (18-24 months).
Early Childhood: Increased play and learning independence (up to 5-6 years).
Middle and Late Childhood: Focus on achievement and self-control (6-11 years).
Adolescence: Transitional phase (12-18 years).
Emerging Adulthood: Stability amid life changes (18-39 years).
Middle Adulthood: Social responsibility and generational support (40-60 years).
Late Adulthood: Life review and adjustments in social roles (60 years and older).

Conceptions of Age

Chronological Age: Years since birth.
Biological Age: Age corresponding to biological health.
Psychological Age: Adaptive capacities relative to peers.
Social Age: Roles and expectations based on age.

Developmental Issues

Nature vs. Nurture: Both are necessary and interdependent for development.
Stability and Change: Debate on the longevity of traits versus capacity for change based on experiences.
Continuity and Discontinuity: Examines whether development is gradual (continuous) or involves distinct stages (discontinuous).
Universal vs. Specific Development: Investigates if development follows a common pathway across cultures or varies significantly.

Interactive Forces in Development

Biological Forces: Genetic and health-related factors.
Psychological Forces: Cognitive and emotional influences.
Sociocultural Forces: Societal and cultural contexts impacting development.

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Description

Explore how various contextual and socio-cultural influences impact human development throughout the life-span. This multidisciplinary approach involves insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, neuroscience, and medical research. Discover the significance of historical, economic, social, and cultural factors in shaping development.