Developmental Psychology
Module 42 Developmental Issues, Prenatal Development, and the Newborn
Developmental Psychology is the study of the human lifespan, starting from infancy to old age, and how individuals change physically, socially, cognitively, and morally over time.
1. Developmental Psychology's Major Issues
a. Nature & Nurture
The interaction between genetic inheritance and experiences plays a significant role in shaping an individual. Nature refers to the biological aspects determined at birth, while Nurture refers to the environmental influences during upbringing.
b. Continuity and Stages
Developmental psychologists analyze the extent to which aspects of human development occur gradually and continuously, as opposed to changing abruptly. Development can be seen as a slow, continuous shaping process driven by experience and learning, or as a sequence of genetically predisposed stages or steps.
c. Stability and Change
An important consideration is whether an individual's traits endure or change as they age. While some characteristics like temperament remain stable, other traits, such as social attitudes, are less stable and subject to change over time.
Life is a process of becoming, and it requires both stability and change to accommodate the various stages of development.
2. Prenatal Development & the Newborn
a. Prenatal Development
The prenatal stage, which begins at conception and ends with birth, encompasses three major stages of development: the zygote, embryo, and fetus. Each stage is characterized by specific milestones such as the formation of major organs and the development of key physiological functions.
b. The Competent Newborn
Upon survival of the prenatal stage, newborns are equipped with automatic reflex responses that are crucial for their immediate survival. These reflexes, such as the startle reflex and grasping reflex, are essential for the newborn's interaction with the environment.
Module 43 Infancy & Childhood Physical Development
1. Brain Development
The development of the brain in infants and children is influenced by both heredity and experience. The immature brain at birth undergoes rapid growth and neural network development, which continues until puberty when a pruning process begins to eliminate unused connections.
The maturation of the brain enables the emergence of physical coordination and motor skills. This process occurs in a predictable sequence, although the timing may vary depending on individual maturation and cultural factors.
2. Motor Development
Motor skills such as sitting, standing, and walking, develop in a universal sequence as infants exercise and strengthen their muscles and nervous system.
Module 44 Infancy & Childhood: Cognitive Development
1. Piaget's Theory & Current Thinking
a. Sensorimotor Stage
Renowned developmental psychologist Jean Piaget proposed that children actively construct and modify their understanding of the world through assimilation and accommodation. This process reflects an ongoing struggle to make sense of their experiences and environment.
The study of Developmental Psychology's major issues is essential to understanding the significance of prenatal development and the transition to early childhood. It provides insights into the complex interplay between genetic inheritance, environmental influences, and the stages of human development. The importance of cognitive and physical development during infancy and childhood underscores the critical role of developmental psychology in shaping individuals from birth to adulthood.
