Class notes
PSYC 100 Developmental Psychology Notes
- Course
- Psychology 100
- Institution
- University Of Maryland - College Park
This is a comprehensive and detailed note on developmental Psychology for Psyc 100. *Essential Study Material!!
[Show more]
Content preview
I. IntroductionA. 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.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller anyiamgeorge19. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
82871 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now