Developmental psychology

Developmental psychology is a scientific approach which aims to explain how children and adults change over time. A significant proportion of theories within this discipline focus upon development during childhood, as this is the period during an individual's lifespan when the most change occurs. Developmental psychologists study a wide range of theoretical areas, such as biological, social, emotion, and cognitive processes. Empirical research in developmental psychology may involve a variety of methods such as observation, interviews, case studies or experiments.

History

Developmental psychology as a discipline did not exist until after the industrial revolution when the need for an educated workforce led to the social construction of childhood as a distinct stage in a person's life. The notion of childhood originates in the Western world and this is why the early research derives from this location.

Theories

Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget, a Swiss theorist, posited that children learn by actively constructing knowledge through hands-on experience. He suggested that the adult's role in helping the child learn was to provide appropriate materials for the child to interact and construct. He stated that, "Appropriate levels of challenge can stimulate thought and foster understanding."

Social and Emotional Development

Erik Erikson, a German psychoanalyst, proposed that "identity" is something that is learned. According to Erikson, the socialization process of an individual consists of eight phases, each one accompanied by a "psychosocial crisis" that must be solved if the person is to manage the next and subsequent phases satisfactorily.

Research Methods

Developmental psychologists employ many types of research methods in order to study development and changes in individuals over time. Some of these methods include longitudinal study, cross-sectional study, and cross-sequential study.

Applications

Developmental psychology research is used in a wide range of human interaction, including educational practice, social policy decisions, and in day-to-day human interaction.

See Also

• Child development
• Cognitive development
• Erik Erikson
• Jean Piaget

References

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Developmental_psychology

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  A baby exploring its environment

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  Children demonstrating conservation tasks

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  Charles Darwin, influential in developmental psychology

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  Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory of Development