Developmental Psychology
Explore how humans grow, change, and develop across the lifespan.
1Introduction
A toddler taking first steps, a teenager forming identity, an adult navigating career changes — all illustrate developmental processes.
Developmental psychology studies physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout the lifespan.
2Key Theories
Piaget
Cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational.
Erikson
Psychosocial stages: trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation.
Vygotsky
Zone of proximal development, social interaction shapes cognition.
Bowlby/Ainsworth
Attachment theory: secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-ambivalent, disorganized.
3Developmental Stages
Prenatal
Teratogens can cause damage. Critical period for development.
Infancy (0-2)
Attachment forms. Object permanence develops. Language emerges.
Early Childhood (2-6)
Preoperational stage. Egocentrism. Language explosion.
Middle Childhood (6-12)
Concrete operations. Industry vs. inferiority.
Adolescence
Formal operations. Identity formation. Peer influence peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Piagets theory of cognitive development?
- Piaget proposed four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational. Each stage represents qualitatively different thinking.
- What is Eriksons psychosocial theory?
- Erikson proposed eight psychosocial stages across the lifespan, each with a developmental conflict to resolve for healthy personality development.
- What is attachment theory?
- Bowlby and Ainsworths attachment theory describes how early relationships with caregivers shape internal working models and future relationships.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding — select the correct answer for each question.
1.Which research design studies the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period?
2.According to Piaget, the cognitive limitation that prevents a child from understanding conservation is called:
3.Which of Eriksons psychosocial stages is most characteristic of early adulthood?
4.A teratogen is best defined as:
5.In Ainsworths Strange Situation, an infant who is distressed when caregiver leaves but easily comforted is demonstrating:
6.Vygotskys Zone of Proximal Development refers to:
7.Which is an example of a cohort effect?
8.According to Kohlberg, moral decisions based on universal ethical principles are at the:
9.The gradual decline in estrogen production in women leading to menopause is called:
10.Which theory emphasizes reciprocal interaction between personal factors, behavior, and environment?