PSY 121 - Developmental Psychology

1. Identify the main characteristics, including the advantages and disadvantages of each of the major research designs.
2. Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives on human development.
3. Describe the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of each life stage.
4. Assess the relative influences of nature and nurture on development.
5. Trace the history and evolution of the scientific study of development.
6. Summarize the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the theoretical perspectives of human development.
7. Describe the physical, cognitive, social, moral and emotional development of each life stage.
8. Confront one’s own attitudes about aging and death.

Course Objectives

After a study of Unit I-Beginnings, the student will:

1. Explain what is meant by the study of human development.
2. List and describe the three stages of childbirth.
3. Describe the principles of babies’ growth and development, inner and outer, simple to complex development.
4. Define and give an example of classical and operant conditioning.
5. Describe the significance of the following developmental stages according to Erik Erikson: basic trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus shame and doubt.

After a study of Unit II-Childhood, the student will:

1. Describe the physical growth and change of children.
2. Describe changes during childhood in the following areas: height, muscular, weight, structural.
3. List some of the common childhood illnesses, accidental injuries and other factors that influence health.
4. Describe children’s thinking processes during Piaget’s cognitive stages of sensorimotor, preoperational, and concrete operational.
5. Explain how memory is developed and operates in early childhood.
6. Explain Erikson’s psychosocial crises of initiative versus guilt and industry versus inferiority.
7. Describe the development of language in children.
8. List some ways that help a child cope with and become more resilient to stress.

After a study of Unit III-Adolescence, the student will:

1. Describe the process and characteristics of physical maturation in adolescence.
2. Discuss the psychological impact of physical changes and the effects of early and late maturation.
3. List the major health concerns during adolescence.
4. List Kohlberg’s levels of morality and provide a brief explanation of moral reasoning at each level.
5. Explain how different parental styles influence the adolescent.
6. Explain the psychosocial conflict of identity versus identity confusion.
7. Discuss some of the current sexual practices and attitudes among adolescence.

After a study of Unit IV-Adulthood, the student will:

1. Discuss health during adulthood, including the factors that influence health and fitness.
2. Describe the intellectual development and functioning of adults.
3. Describe personality development in adulthood according to the normative-crisis model and the timing of events model.
4. Discuss the relationship between marriage, happiness, and health.
5. Explain some of the characteristics and benefits of friendships during adulthood.
6. Discuss sexuality in young, middle, and later adulthood.
7. Describe the impact of race and socioeconomic on health.
8. Explain crystallized and fluid intelligence and how they are affected by aging.
9. Summarize the major elements of development in adulthood according to Erikson’s theory.
10. Describe how the relationships between adult children and their parents change and how those changes affect the development of each.
11. Describe common attitudes toward old age and the elderly.
12. List the major health problems and causes of death in young, middle, and late adulthood.
13. Describe some techniques for measuring changes in intellectual functioning of the adult.
14. Discuss the importance of continued mental activity and explain how learning and memory are interrelated.
15. Describe how attitudes about death develop throughout the lifespan.
16. Discuss death and dying regarding such issues as active euthanasia and passive euthanasia.
17. Discuss the challenge of finding a purpose in life and death and factors which most influence attitudes.