+ The Beginning Week 1: The Science of Development Week 2:
Genes and Prenatal Development
Slide 2
+ The Science of Development
Slide 3
+ Week 1 Objectives Defining Development The Life-Span
Perspective Theories of Human Development
Slide 4
+ Defining Development The science of human development seeks
to understand how and why people change over time (Berger, 2009).
The scientific method is used to understand how and why. Begin with
curiosity Develop a hypothesis Test hypothesis Draw conclusions
Report results Nature vs. Nurture: Nature refers to the influence
of genes. Nurture refers to environmental influences.
Slide 5
+ The Life-Span Perspective Studies the phases of human
development. 1.) Multidirectional Human characteristics change in
every direction. 2.) Multicontextual Development takes place within
many contexts. 3.) Multicultural culture refers to behavior passed
from one generation to the next. 4.)Multidisciplinary Development
is vast, requires insight from many disciplines. 5.)Plastic Human
traits can be molded.
Slide 6
+ Theories of Human Development Developmental Theory
Principles/generalizations for understanding how and why people
change as the grow older. Psychoanalytic Theory The underlying
forces thought to influence every aspect of thinking and behavior.
Cognitive Theory Thoughts and expectations profoundly affect
actions. Systems Theory The idea that a change in one part of a
person, family, or society affects all aspects of development
(connected).
Slide 7
+ Genes and Prenatal Development
Slide 8
+ Week 2 Objectives The Beginning of Life Genetic Problems From
Zygote to Newborn Birth
Slide 9
+ The Beginning of Life Life begins as a single cell. All
living things are composed of DNA.
+ From Zygote to Newborn The Germinal Period (the first 2
weeks) The Embryonic Period (2-8 weeks) The Fetal Period (8 weeks
until birth)
Slide 12
+ Birth The Birth Process Practices Birth weight Mothers and
Fathers
Slide 13
+ References: Berger, K. S. (2009). Invitation to the Life
Span. New York: Worth Publishers. Grobman, K. H. (2008).
Developmental Psychology. Retrieved November 13, 2011 from
http://www.devpsy.org/topics/index.html
http://www.devpsy.org/topics/index.html