Developmental Psychology (Psych 350)Professor McDermottWelcome Scholars!• This class is for you and about youClass Expectations• This is a highly valued learning environment– No computers, phones, digital devices without written permission– Be courteous, there are many opinions so think before you speak and do not monopolize the floor– Uphold your academic integrityWhat is Development?• Development: physical and psychological changes in an individual over a lifetime• Developmental psychology: systematic and scientific study of changes in human behaviors and mental activities over time• Developmental science interdisciplinary field of research concerned with studies and explanations of human developmentIs there a framework for studying Development?• Theories sets of ideas or propositions that help to organize/explain observable phenomena– A good theory goes beyond description and explanation– It leads to predictions about behaviorAre there implications for understanding Development?• Social policy -programs and plans established by local, regional, or national public and private organizations and agencies designed to achieve a particular social purpose or goalFive Major Themes in Developmental Psychology1) How do nature and nurture interact in development?*Nature-Nurture Debate*Five Major Themes in Developmental Psychology2) How does the sociocultural context influence development?Five Major Themes in Developmental Psychology3) Is development continuous or discontinuous?Five Major Themes in Developmental Psychology4) How do the various domains of development interact?Five Major Themes in Developmental Psychology5) What factors promote risk or resilience in development?Five Major Themes in Developmental Psychology1) How do nature and nurture interact in development?2) How does the sociocultural context influence development?3) Is development continuous or discontinuous?4) How do the various domains of development interact?5) What factors promote risk or resilience in development?Major Domains• Biological• Cognitive• Socio-emotionalPhenotypic Plasticity(Philbrook & Hane, 2012)Exposure to predatory crabs influences shell densityLow exposure = less dense shellHigh Exposure = more dense shellPsychosocial Dwarfism• 17 year old girl • 14 year old girlJ.M. BarriePsychosocial Short Stature (PSS)• Extended Period of Neglect• Much shorter than average• Wrote the story of the boy who never grew upCarpe
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