Stages of Human Development
- Prenatal development
- Infancy
- Toddler
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Adulthood
- Middle Adulthood
- Late life
Maturation
- Physical growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior and learning.
- Although the timing of our growth may be different, the sequence is almost always the same.
– Order same but age approximate
Motor Development
- Sequence is the same - but once again
timing varies. - Physical skills over time
- First learn to roll over, sit up unsupported,
crawl, walk, etc. - Maturation and Learning go hand in
hand!
Research Methods
Cross-Sectional Studies
* Participants of different ages studied at the same time.
Longitudinal Studies
* One group of people studied over a period of time.
Physical Development
- Focus on our physical changes over time.
Prenatal Development
- Conception begins with the drop of an
egg and the release of about 200 million sperm. - The sperm seeks out the egg and attempts to penetrate the egg’s surface.
Cognition
All mental activities associated with
thinking, knowing and remembering.
Cognitive Development
- It was thought that kids were
just stupid versions of adults. - Then came along Jean Piaget.
- Kids do learn and think
differently than adults.
Schemas
- Children view the
world through
schemas (as do adults
for the most part). - Schemas are ways we
interpret the world
around us (concepts). - It is basically what
you picture in your
head when you think
of anything.
Social Development
- Up until about a year, infants do not
mind strange people (maybe because
everyone is strange to them). - At about a year, infants develop
stranger anxiety.
Pre-conventional Morality (0-6)
- Morality based on rewards and punishments.
- If you are rewarded then it is OK.
- If you are punished, the act must be wrong.
- “I’m not doing it, I might get caught”
Conventional Morality (7-11)
- Look at morality based on how others see you.
- If your peers , or society, thinks it is wrong, then so do you.
- “I’m not doing it, what would the teacher think?”
Post-conventional Morality (12 Up)
- Based on self-defined ethical principles.
- Your own personal set of ethics.
- “I’m not doing it, it’s against my principles.”
morality - Criticisms of Kohlberg
- Carol Gilligan pointed out that Kohlberg only tested boys.
- Boys tend to have a more absolute value of morality.
- Girls tend to look at situational factors
Erik Erikson
- A neo-Freudian.
- Worked with Anna Freud.
- Thought our personality was influenced by our experiences with others.
- 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development.
- Each stage centers on a social conflict.
Trust vs. Mistrust (0-18 Months)
- Can a baby trust the world to fulfill its needs?
- The trust or mistrust they develop can carry on with the child for the rest of their lives.
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (1 1⁄2 - 3)
- Toddlers begin to control their bodies (toilet training) and explore their surroundings.
- Control temper tantrums.
- Big word is “NO.”
- Can they learn control or will they doubt themselves?
Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6)
- Word turns from “NO” to “WHY?”
- Want to understand the world and ask questions.
- Is their curiosity encouraged or scolded?
Industry (Competence) vs. Inferiority (6-12)
- School begins.
- We are for the first time evaluated by a formal system and our peers.
- Do we feel good about our accomplishments?
- If not, we may feel bad about ourselves and develop
an inferiority complex.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (Teens)
- In our teenage years we try out different roles.
- Who am I?
- What group do I fit in with?
- If I do not find myself I may develop an identity crisis.
Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adult)
- Have to balance work and relationships.
- What are my priorities?
- When do I want to start a family?
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Mid-Adult)
- Is everything going as planned?
- Am I happy with what I created?
- Mid –life crisis
Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adult)
- Look back on life.
- Was my life meaningful or do I have regrets?
