I. Introduction
A. Definition of Developmental Psychology
Development psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the changes and
continuities of human behavior and cognition from conception to death. It focuses on
understanding how and why individuals change over time, and how different
environmental, biological, and social factors contribute to these changes.
B. Theories and Perspectives of Developmental Psychology
1. Biological perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of genetics,
hormones, and brain development in shaping behavior and cognition.
2. Cognitive perspectives: This approach emphasizes the role of mental processes,
such as memory, perception, and problem-solving, in development.
3. Behavioral perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of reinforcement,
punishment, and learning in shaping behavior.
4. Ecological perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of the environment in
shaping behavior, including the influence of family, peers, and culture.
5. Sociocultural perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of culture and
society in shaping behavior, and how different cultural values, beliefs, and
practices influence development.
C. Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
1. Longitudinal studies: These studies follow participants over a period of time,
often several years, to track changes in behavior and cognition.
2. Cross-sectional studies: These studies compare participants of different ages at
one point in time to track differences in behavior and cognition.
3. Experimental studies: These studies manipulate one or more variables to
determine their effects on development.
4. Case studies: These studies involve an in-depth examination of one individual or
a small group of individuals to understand a specific aspect of development.
Overall, developmental psychology is a complex and multi-disciplinary field that
encompasses a wide range of theories and perspectives, and uses a variety of research
methods to understand how and why individuals change over time.
, II. Prenatal Development
A. Conception and Fertilization
● Conception occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of a
zygote.
● Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, and it marks the beginning of
embryonic development.
B. Embryonic Development
● The zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions to form a ball of cells called a
blastocyst.
● The blastocyst implants in the uterus, and it develops into an embryo.
● During the embryonic period, which lasts from conception to 8 weeks, the major
organ systems and body structures begin to form.
C. Fetal Development
● The embryonic period is followed by the fetal period, which lasts from 8 weeks to
birth.
● During the fetal period, the major organ systems and body structures continue to
develop and mature.
● At the end of the fetal period, the fetus is fully formed and weighs around 7.5
pounds.
D. Factors Influencing Prenatal Development
● Maternal factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins
can affect prenatal development.
● Genetic factors can also affect prenatal development, including the risk of certain
birth defects and chromosomal disorders.
A. Definition of Developmental Psychology
Development psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the changes and
continuities of human behavior and cognition from conception to death. It focuses on
understanding how and why individuals change over time, and how different
environmental, biological, and social factors contribute to these changes.
B. Theories and Perspectives of Developmental Psychology
1. Biological perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of genetics,
hormones, and brain development in shaping behavior and cognition.
2. Cognitive perspectives: This approach emphasizes the role of mental processes,
such as memory, perception, and problem-solving, in development.
3. Behavioral perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of reinforcement,
punishment, and learning in shaping behavior.
4. Ecological perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of the environment in
shaping behavior, including the influence of family, peers, and culture.
5. Sociocultural perspectives: This approach focuses on the role of culture and
society in shaping behavior, and how different cultural values, beliefs, and
practices influence development.
C. Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
1. Longitudinal studies: These studies follow participants over a period of time,
often several years, to track changes in behavior and cognition.
2. Cross-sectional studies: These studies compare participants of different ages at
one point in time to track differences in behavior and cognition.
3. Experimental studies: These studies manipulate one or more variables to
determine their effects on development.
4. Case studies: These studies involve an in-depth examination of one individual or
a small group of individuals to understand a specific aspect of development.
Overall, developmental psychology is a complex and multi-disciplinary field that
encompasses a wide range of theories and perspectives, and uses a variety of research
methods to understand how and why individuals change over time.
, II. Prenatal Development
A. Conception and Fertilization
● Conception occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of a
zygote.
● Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, and it marks the beginning of
embryonic development.
B. Embryonic Development
● The zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions to form a ball of cells called a
blastocyst.
● The blastocyst implants in the uterus, and it develops into an embryo.
● During the embryonic period, which lasts from conception to 8 weeks, the major
organ systems and body structures begin to form.
C. Fetal Development
● The embryonic period is followed by the fetal period, which lasts from 8 weeks to
birth.
● During the fetal period, the major organ systems and body structures continue to
develop and mature.
● At the end of the fetal period, the fetus is fully formed and weighs around 7.5
pounds.
D. Factors Influencing Prenatal Development
● Maternal factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins
can affect prenatal development.
● Genetic factors can also affect prenatal development, including the risk of certain
birth defects and chromosomal disorders.
