DL - Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology Lesson
Learning Targets:
- Describe how lasting themes shape the field of developmental psychology.
- Identify and explain three key themes that have captured the interest of developmental psychologists and outline two techniques they use to investigate human behavior.
Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.
Understanding the Key Concepts in Developmental Psychology
In developmental psychology, researchers are intrigued by the factors that shape who we are and how we evolve. This branch of psychology explores the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional advancements individuals undergo throughout their lives. By conducting cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, developmental psychologists aim to unravel the intricate interplay between nature and nurture – exploring how genetic inheritance and life experiences influence our growth. They also investigate the balance between continuity and stages in development, dissecting which aspects progress gradually and which transform in distinct phases. Additionally, they examine the duality of stability and change, scrutinizing which traits endure across our lifespan and how we adapt as we mature.
Nature vs. Nurture
The interaction of nature and nurture is a key concept in AP Psychology, which involves the interplay between genetic factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping human behavior. Genetic traits such as temperament and personality influence social behavior, while environmental factors such as parenting styles, peer relationships, and cultural norms and values shape social development. Both nature and nurture, including cultural variations, shape social development. As social development varies across cultures, cultural values influence social behaviors like social support and conformity.
Continuity and Stages
Research in psychology has revealed contrasting viewpoints on the nature of development. While some experts emphasize the role of experiences in shaping growth as a gradual and continuous process, others highlight biological maturation leading to distinct stages or phases. Regardless of the perspective, it is widely accepted that everyone progresses through these stages in a predetermined sequence. Notable stage theories in psychology include Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development and Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development. While modern developmental psychologists may not strictly adhere to these theories, the concept of stages remains a valuable framework for understanding human development.
Stability and Change
Psychologists have long been intrigued by the debate on stability versus change in human behavior throughout life. Evidence suggests that we encounter a mixture of stability and change throughout our lives. Certain aspects of our persona, such as temperament, remain consistent. Conversely, factors like our social attitudes exhibit more variability, particularly during the transformative adolescent years. As we navigate life, we realize that a balance between stability and change is essential. Stability offers us a sense of identity, while change fuels our aspirations for the future, enabling us to learn and grow from our experiences.
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