Introduction to Developmental Psychology I

Developmental psychology is concerned with the description and explanation of changes that occur in psychological processes at any point in the life span. Key guiding assumptions include: (a) the developmental perspective, or the notion that current behaviors are linked to past and present conditions and processes; (b) that developmental research methods must direct attention to individual change; and (c) that important developmental changes may occur throughout the life span.

During the twentieth century, increasing specialization in developmental psychology was associated with immense progress in understanding lifespan change. Psychological development, the development of human beings’ cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and social capabilities and functioning over the course of the life span, from infancy through old age. It is the subject matter of the discipline known as developmental psychology.

Child psychology was the traditional focus of research, but since the mid-20th century much has been learned about infancy and adulthood as well. Development describes the growth of humans throughout their lifespan, from conception to death. Psychologists strive to understand and explain how and why people change throughout life. While many of these changes are normal and expected, they can still pose challenges that people sometimes need extra assistance to manage.

By understanding the process of normative development, professionals are better able to spot potential problems and provide early interventions that can result in better outcomes. Developmental psychologists can work with people of all ages to treat issues and support growth, although some choose to specialize in a specific area such as childhood, adulthood, or old age. Developmental psychology is the study of how we change over our lifespans. Physical, intellectual, and emotional growth all contribute to psychological development. Physical changes during prenatal development, like exposure to alcohol, can have long-lasting cognitive consequences; not being able to feel love from parents and form attachments can result in social impairments.

This course will look at studies designed to investigate these kinds of relationships, as well as at several theories of developmental stages.

At the end of this course, you should be able to explain:

1.  The scientific strategies of the study of child development
2. Developmental Psychology as a Science
3. Historical Understanding Of ‘Childhood’ Development
4. The Perinatal Environment
5. Principles of Development Human
6. And many more.

Course Curriculum

SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

1
Introduction to Developmental psychology
Self-Paced
2
Critical Periods In developmental psychology and developmental biology
Self-Paced
3
Principles of human development and growth
Self-Paced
4
Major controversies in developmental psychology
Self-Paced
5
Quiz
10 questions

SECTION 2: HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING OF ‘CHILDHOOD’ DEVELOPMENT

1
Medieval understanding of ‘childhood’ development
Self-Paced
2
General Principles of Developmental Psychology
Self-Paced
3
The Modern Study of Child Development
Self-Paced
4
Psychoanalytic Theory of Sigmund Freud
Self-Paced
5
The Psychosocial theory of Erik Erikson
Self-Paced
6
Piaget’s Cognitive developmental theory
Self-Paced
7
Quiz
10 questions

SECTION 3: THE PERINATAL ENVIRONMENT

1
Birth and the perinatal environment
Self-Paced
2
Assessing the Baby’s Condition
Self-Paced
3
Quiz
10 questions

SECTION 4: PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT HUMAN

1
Stage by stage Human development
Self-Paced
2
Practical steps to take in encouraging growth mindset
Self-Paced
3
An Overview of Physical Growth
Self-Paced
4
Overview of Development Brain Growth and Development
Self-Paced
5
The fertilization process
Self-Paced
6
Implantation
Self-Paced
7
Wrapping Up
Self-Paced
8
Quiz
10 questions