Introduction

Question 1

What is Life Span Development Psychology?

Answer 1

The study of how and why people change over time as well as how and why they remain the same from conception to old age.

Question 2

What are the four goals of Psychology?

Answer 2

Describe, Explain, Predict, Control (DEP-C – pronounce like “Deep Sea”)

Question 3

Explain the purpose of “Describe” as a goal of psychology.

Answer 3

List the set of observations about a person – their thoughts, feelings, actions, and goals. this answers the question, “What is the behavior?”

Question 4

Explain the purpose of “Explain” as a goal of psychology.

Answer 4

This takes the “Description” of the person’s behavior and then answers the questions, “Why does this behavior occur? Under what circumstances will it occur again?” This should tell you if the behavior is typical (normal) or an anomaly.

Question 5

Explain the purpose of “Predict” as a goal of psychology.

Answer 5

Based on the “Description” of the behavior and the “Explanation” of the behavior, Psychologists aim to “Predict” how that behavior will appear again in the future and if other people will exhibit that same behavior under the same circumstances.

Question 6

Explain the purpose of “Control” as a goal of psychology.

Answer 6

These “Predictions” give “Control” to those who know and understand them. Understanding the predictions allow you to control others in a sense – to influence their behavior, to train them faster, to increase their success, to manipulate their perceptions. It is a VERY powerful base of knowledge which can be used for good (increasing mental success, productivity, happiness, well-being or bad (cults, fear/panic, advertising, fascist regimes)