Describes the growth of humans throughout the lifespan, from conception to death. The scientific study of human development seeks to understand and explain how and why people change throughout life. This includes all aspects of human growth, including physical, emotional, intellectual, social, perceptual, and personality development.
The scientific study of development is important not only to psychology, but also to sociology, education, and health care. Development does not just involve the biological and physical aspects of growth, but also the cognitive and social aspects associated with development throughout life.
The study of human development is important in a number of subjects, including biology, anthropology, sociology, education, history, and psychology. Most important, however, are the practical applications of studying human development. By better understanding how and why people change and grow, we can then apply this knowledge to helping people live up to their full potential.
2. Human Development
Refers to the study of the human cycle from conception to death. It focuses on the continuous chronological processes or changes which are cumulative. It encompasses the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional changes that occur in an individual.
3. Stages of Development
Infancy (1 month to 1 year)
Early Childhood (2 to 6 years)
School Age ( 7 to 12 years)
Adolescence (13-20 years)
Early Adulthood (21-30 years)
Middle adulthood (31-50 years)
Late Adulthood (51 years and above)
Death
4. Aspects of Development
Cognitive development is primarily concerned with the ways in which infants and children acquire, develop, and use internal mental capabilities such as problem solving, memory, and language. Major topics in cognitive development are the study of language acquisition and the development of perceptual and motor skills. Piaget was one of the influential early psychologists to study the development of cognitive