Psychology Development
SECTION
ONE
THE LIFE-SPAN PERSPECTIVE
All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.
—WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE English Playwright, 17th Century
This book is about human development—its universal features, its individual variations, its nature. Every life is distinct, a new biography in the world. Examining the shape of life-span development allows us to understand it better. A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development is about the rhythm and meaning of people’s lives, about turning mystery into understanding, and about weaving a portrait of who each of us was, is, and will be. In Section 1, you will read “Introduction” (Chapter 1).
1
We reach backward to our parents and forward to our children, and through their children to a future we will never see, but about which we need to care.
—CARL JUNG Swiss Psychiatrist, 20th Century
LEARNING GOALS u Discuss the distinctive features of a life-span perspective on development. Identify the most important processes, periods, and issues in development. Describe the main theories of human development. Explain how research on life-span development is conducted.
u
u
u
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1 2 3 4
THE LIFE-SPAN PERSPECTIVE
The Importance of Studying Life-Span Development Characteristics of the Life-Span Perspective Some Contemporary Concerns
THE NATURE OF DEVELOPMENT
Biological, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Processes Periods of Development The Significance of Age Developmental Issues
THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT
Psychoanalytic Theories Cognitive Theories Behavioral and Social Cognitive Theories Ethological Theory Ecological Theory An Eclectic Theoretical Orientation
RESEARCH IN LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT
Methods for Collecting Data Research Designs Time Span of Research Research Journals Conducting Ethical Research Minimizing Bias
5
6
CHAPTER 1 • Introduction
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ONE
THE LIFE-SPAN PERSPECTIVE
All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.
—WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE English Playwright, 17th Century
This book is about human development—its universal features, its individual variations, its nature. Every life is distinct, a new biography in the world. Examining the shape of life-span development allows us to understand it better. A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development is about the rhythm and meaning of people’s lives, about turning mystery into understanding, and about weaving a portrait of who each of us was, is, and will be. In Section 1, you will read “Introduction” (Chapter 1).
1
We reach backward to our parents and forward to our children, and through their children to a future we will never see, but about which we need to care.
—CARL JUNG Swiss Psychiatrist, 20th Century
LEARNING GOALS u Discuss the distinctive features of a life-span perspective on development. Identify the most important processes, periods, and issues in development. Describe the main theories of human development. Explain how research on life-span development is conducted.
u
u
u
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1 2 3 4
THE LIFE-SPAN PERSPECTIVE
The Importance of Studying Life-Span Development Characteristics of the Life-Span Perspective Some Contemporary Concerns
THE NATURE OF DEVELOPMENT
Biological, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Processes Periods of Development The Significance of Age Developmental Issues
THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT
Psychoanalytic Theories Cognitive Theories Behavioral and Social Cognitive Theories Ethological Theory Ecological Theory An Eclectic Theoretical Orientation
RESEARCH IN LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENT
Methods for Collecting Data Research Designs Time Span of Research Research Journals Conducting Ethical Research Minimizing Bias
5
6
CHAPTER 1 • Introduction
P R