methods and approaches Flashcards
1
Q
what is developmental psychology
A
- psychology of change
- (pre) cradle to grave
- physical, cognitive, emotional and social development
2
Q
cradle to grave
A
from foetus through childhood and adolescence and into old age
3
Q
problem of developmental psychology
A
- not easy
- measuring the unmeasurable
- young participants may have limited abilities
- have to think very carefully about research methods and design
4
Q
levels of explanation
A
At least 3 levels of explanation:
- Behavioural - In terms of what we can see happening
- Cognitive - In terms of thought processes
- Biological - In terms of neuronal explanations, genetics, biochemistry
5
Q
consequences of levels of explanation
A
- can make more sense to talk at one level rather than enough
- others are less clear eg which level
- useful to think about how different levels interact
6
Q
neonate
A
newborn
- up to 1 month
7
Q
infancy
A
first 2 years of a child’s life
- before a child uses language
8
Q
preschooler
A
child between the ages of 2 and 5
9
Q
school aged child
A
5 to 12
10
Q
adolescent
A
12 to 18
11
Q
childhood
A
around 2 to 12
12
Q
late adulthood
A
65+
13
Q
historical foundations
A
philosophy
- is the child born tabula rasa
- is who the child is predetermined
- how do children learn about the world
biology
- does psychological development mirror biological development
- what are the causes of individual differences
14
Q
darwin
A
- humans have evolved over time, so much of our make up could be explained by giving a survival advantage in the past
- diary studies of emotion in son
15
Q
evolutionary principles
A
- an emphasis on changes over time
- development can be understood as progressive adaptation of child to environment
