The Science of Development and Theories in Development

 The science of Human Development seeks to understand how and why people-all kinds of people, everywhere, of every age- change over time.  Developmental study is a science. It depends on theories, analysis, critical thinking, and sound methodology. Just like any other science.

 Begin with curiosity.  Develop a hypothesis.  Test the hypothesis.  Draw conclusions.  Report the results.  Studies are often replicated using different participants, to test whether the same results will occur.

 The Experimental Method  The Survey Method  The Correlation Method  Longitudinal Research Method  Cross-Sectional Research Method  Cross-Sequential Research Method  Case Studies  Naturalistic Observation

 Biosocial  Cognitive  Psychosocial

 The Life-Span Perspective is an approach to the study of human development that takes into account all phases of life, not just childhood and adulthood.

 Development is Multidirectional- individuals react differently to situations that change the course of their life.  Development is Multicontextual.- individuals are affected by their cohort group and socioeconomic status (SES).  Development is Multicultural- ethnicity, race, and culture influence how individuals live their life.

 Development is Multidisciplinary- individuals development is affected by their genes and environment.  Development is Plastic- individuals developed can be affected by plasticity. At any time during development a person can change or mold their development.

 Psychoanalytic Theory  Behaviorism  Cognitive Theory  Social Learning Theory

 The psychoanalytic theory is the belief that inner drives and motives are the underlying forces that influence every aspect of thinking and behavior.  Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Theory  Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

 Behaviorism arose in direct opposition to the psychoanalytic theory.  Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning are original theories of behaviorism. They use of a conditioned stimulus or reinforcements is what is believed to change behavior.  Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, and B.F. Skinner

 An extension of behaviorism that emphasizes the influence that other people have on behavior. People learn behaviors through observation and imitation.  Lev Vygotsky and Albert Bandura were contributors to the Social Learning Theory.

 Cognitive Theory is the thoughts, perceptions, memories, and learning that affects our development.  The major theorist in cognitive theory is Jean Piaget.

 Humanistic Theories main premise is that all individuals are unique and have the ability to develop through free will, self-concept, self-esteem, and self- actualization  Major theorists who contributed to this theory were Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

Chapter Three and Four

 DNA is the molecule that contains the chemical instructions for cells to manufacture various proteins.  Each molecule of DNA is called a chromosome. Human cells have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs.  The reproductive cell, a gamete has 23 chromosomes, one from each parent.  The single cell that is formed from two gametes is a zygote.

 Genes are passed down from generation to generation. A genotype is an organism’s genetic inheritance or genetic potential.  The observable characteristics of a person’s appearance, personality, intelligence, and all other traits is called an organisms phenotype.

 The Human Genome Project (2001) was a worldwide effort of scientists to map all human genes.  The surprise of the Human Genome Project was the discovery of how many genes humans actually have, they found about 20,000. The final understanding of the project was that most living creatures have more genes in common than was once believed.

 Dominant genes control the phenotype in individuals. The recessive gene is usually hidden by a dominant gene.  Dominant genes control the recessive gene from occurring.

 Stage One- Germinal Period The first two weeks of human development in which the zygote becomes implanted on the uterine wall and duplication and division occurs. In the process of becoming a baby they one celled zygote multiplies into about 10 trillion cells.

 Stage Two- Embryonic Period From week three to week eight the developing organism surrounded by the placenta becomes an embryo and the first signs of a body shape emerge. The brain and spine form, the head begins to take shape and the eyes, ears and mouth form. Soon the heart and other body systems begin to form. By the end of this stage, the entire reproductive system is formed.

 Stage Three- Fetal Period From nine weeks until birth (38 weeks) the fetal stage occurs. During this stage the structures and overall complete systems of the body continue growing until birth. During this time is the “age of viability” a time in which a preterm baby can live outside the mothers body.

 Teratogens are agents and conditions, including viruses, drugs, and chemicals, that can impair prenatal development and result in birth defects or even death.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a cause or a teratogen, which cause children to be born with small eyes and thin upper lips, impulsive, and hyperactive.  Many substances are Behavioral Teratogens with affect a child’s developing brain, making them slow to talk, hyperactive, or learning- disabled. These affects do not become apparent until months or years after birth.