Abstract This paper attempts to address the topic of developmentalpsychology, also known as human development. This scientific area of study within the field of psychology focuses on the study of the gradual psychological changes that take place in human beings as they mature. The paper discusses how, historically, this subject area dealt primarily with the psychological development in infants and children, and later expanded its focus to other periods of psychological and physical change, such as adolescence and aging.
Outline:
Introduction
History
Categorization by Age and Stage in the Lifecycle
Some Important Theories
Stage Theory
Incremental/Continuous Theories
Social Contextualism
Ecological Systems Theory
Methods Adopted in the Field
Conclusion
From the Paper "The thoughts of the Soviet researcher Lev Vygotsky are gradually gaining more popularity in the field of American psychology. In the field of developmental psychology, in specific, his ground-breaking work relating to the significance of social interactions and the so-called "zone of proximal development" is now recognized. Vygotsy based his theory on three premises namely: (a) humans are associated with the physical world and each other by processes of cultural mediation that utilize both psychological and technical tools of the surrounding culture, (b) cultural mediation and, therefore, human psychological functions go through uninterrupted and lifelong alterations, and (c) human psychological functions arise from practical activity in specific contexts. Thus cultural groups have a significant impact on cognition and its development and cognition is a dynamic activity in which the individual both shapes and is shaped by the environmental surroundings. (The Vygotsky Project)"
Tags:developmental, Psychology, Human Development, Piaget, Infancy, Childhood
Abstract The field of developmentalpsychology has made great strides by studying children's behavior. This information laid a solid foundation and structure and opened the door to numerous questions about evolving human development. This paper explains that as times change, however, new tools and methodology will have to be devised to keep abreast of changes in human makeup, societal and global alterations, and new technologies.
From the Paper "The science of developmental psychology began over one hundred years ago, yet the field remains in its infancy. There is still much to learn about behaviour and mental processes. Also, since human societies continually evolve and become more multifaceted, it is more difficult to define consistencies. Complexity broadens further as development psychologists work hand-in-hand with anthropologists, biologists, sociologists and other scientists for additional information. Despite these challenges, developmental psychologists have provided a significant amount of valuable information on the basic nature of human beings, the stages of development that are consistent from one individual to the next, the causes of certain behaviours, the nature versus nurture conflict, universality and specificity of actions. However, the world is undergoing a major transformation?becoming increasingly multicultural and technologically sophisticated. Social science and science disciplines are either being modified or created anew to gain knowledge on the changes occurring. To continue their important contributions to the study of human behaviour, developmental psychologists will need to expand their focus as well. In fact, this is already being evidenced in the emphasis on lifespan studies as well as the integration of developmental psychology with newer fields such as neuropsychology."
Abstract This paper examines the influence of Charles Darwin on psychology. The paper looks at Darwin's contribution toward developing a biological and evolutionary mode for human behavior. The paper relates this mode to the work of behavioral psychologist of Jean Piaget. The paper also discusses other developmental psychologists.
From the Paper "We usually think of Charles Darwin as having made his most important contributions to the field of biology. But while his pioneering work in natural selection certainly changed the theory and practice of biology fundamentally and forever, the effect of his work..."
Abstract This paper reviews the book "Babyhood" by Paul Reiser which describes his experience of becoming a father and dealing with the role of parent. It shows how although the book is based primarily on his experience as a father, it also offers a description of his observations of his son. It analyzes these observations by comparing them to some of the theories of developmentalpsychology. It examines how Reiser not only observes his son but perceives him as well and how these perceptions are not always psychologically correct, but they are correct in as far as they represent what Reiser believes as the father. It is an interesting account of how the parent without an understanding of developmentalpsychology perceives their child.
From the Paper "Reiser describes the continuing development of the baby as they develop to the playing stage. As Reiser (127) describes, ?It seems that the key parenting skill you need to develop when entertaining your new child is the ability to Distract.? Reiser (127) calls this "Baby Point of View" based on the concept that everything is new to the child and therefore, interesting to the child. This observation can be related to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, where at this stage, Piaget says that the child's behavior is based on looking, seeing and feeling, rather than thinking. This theory of cognitive development effectively explains Reiser's observation that the child is easily distracted based on the fact that this period is one of observation."
Tags: parents, child, piaget, cognitive, theory, development
A look at the perspectives of biological psychology, social psychology and developmentalpsychology on the causes of and treatment interventions used for eating disorders.
Abstract The paper discusses how biological psychology posits a neurological, neurophysiological, or genetic component to eating disorders while social psychological approaches to eating disorders emphasize the individual's upbringing and current social environment, including familial, romantic, and peer ties. The paper then looks at developmentalpsychology and how it focuses on individual differences in the development of eating disorders.
From the Paper "Eating disorders encompass a wide range of complex behavioral and cognitive patterns. Resembling addictions in many respects, eating disorders are also difficult to treat. Multiple approaches to the study and treatment of eating disorders may help clinicians and counselors address the needs of individual patients. Biological psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology each present unique perspectives about the causes of and treatment interventions used for eating disorders."
Abstract This paper looks at the way Alan Lightman's novel, "Einstein' Dreams", handles Einstein's theory of the relativity of time, mainly the "elasticity" of time. The paper discusses this in terms of how it relates to adult cognitive development.
From the Paper "Alan Lightman's book "Einstein's Dreams" is a novel that plays with Einstein's theory of the relativity of time. There is a proverb that says "a watched pot never boils". It requires some level of cognitive development to understand this proverb. It does not mean that the water in the pot will never boil. Depending on the level of heat applied to the pot, the water could boil in as quick a time as three minutes. However, for someone who stands over the pot and ..."
Tags:developmentalpsychology, Alan Lightman, Einstein's Dreams
Abstract The paper explains how Kathleen Stassen Berger, in her book "The Developing Person Through the Life Span", considers how each stage leads to the next and how biological and sociological causes affect the psychological development of any individual. The writer considers events from her own life in light of Berger's theories in order to determine the ways in which her own personal development has been a result of a string of causes and effects throughout the stages of her life. The writer looks at her infancy and preschool years, school years and adolescence and finally, adulthood.
From the Paper "In her book "The Developing Person Through the Life Span," Kathleen Stassen Berger outlines the stages of growth from infancy to adulthood and discusses the psychological impacts of each stage. She shows how each stage leads to the next and considers how both biological and sociological effect the psychological development of any individual. Using a concept called the "butterfly effect", she shows how small and seemingly unimportant developments in any single stage can compound through successive stages to result in specific types of personality development. (The "butterfly effect" is borrowed from the concept in environmental science in which it is said that when a butterfly beats its wings in one part of the world, a storm can occur in another part of world. The interconnectedness of events is the key concept here.)"
Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the influences of cultural variations on childhood development, by looking closer at the research that already exists on the topic. It holds that existing literature does not pay enough attention to the impact of culture, especially regarding the parent-child relationship, on developmentalpsychology. While the role of parenting has been long recognized as an important component in development, this recognition has existed mostly devoid of cultural context. The paper argues that culture does have an influence on development, and will consequently have an influence on any planned intervention strategy. The paper concludes that what is critically needed is further research into the subject to demonstrate statistically viable methods for conducting important therapies and interventions in different cultural settings that are backed by legitimate theory and research.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review and Analysis
Current Limitations of Family Therapy Theory
Importance of Cultural Context
Emerging Picture of Culture's Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper "On a theoretical level, developmental psychologists and theorists have been plagued by the same impulses that beset researchers in most disciplines: the desire to devise a single, all-encompassing theory. What dedicated researcher doesn't dream of a single theory that can provide all of the answers for all of the questions that have been (and will be) asked? This impulse has led to the creation of many theories, such as attachment theory, that strive toward a grand theory of development. But attachment theory has been exaggerated in its usefulness to explain actual instances of childhood development. Lamb (2005) concludes that development is much too complex, owing largely to the complicating effects of culture, to be easily reduced to a single theoretical approach. Contrary to the tenets of attachment theory, empirical data has consistently shown that there is more to development than just the parent-child relationship (though, admittedly, this is an important component)."
Tags:developmental, psychology, parenting, child-rearing, care, family, therapy
Abstract The paper details a recent study undertaken with the goal of determining how and to what extent human children exhibit the same developmental characteristics as chimpanzees do when they are young. The paper outlines a number of similarities which emerge between the two groups and also unveils the methodology employed to arrive at these conclusions. Finally, the following paper ends by offering some shortcomings of the research conducted and where the authors hope further research will lead in the future.
Abstract For centuries, humans have been intrigued by the workings of the human mind. Philosophers and physiologists pondered the questions that psychology, as an independent science, now addresses. This papers shows that psychology is the study of mind and behavior, both in humans and animals. There exist many sub-fields within this discipline and as such, supporters of each may alter the aforementioned definition to emphasize their area of concentration. The paper traces the history of psychology, touching on different theories put forth by leaders in the psychological field.
From the Paper "Psychoanalysis, and its development in the 1890's with Sigmund Freud, brought about a new direction in psychology. The role of personality is a central figure in this theory as is the unconscious and the underlying motivation of human behavior. The investigative approach to psychoanalysis varies dramatically from those approaches listed above. Specifically, free association, dream interpretation, and retrospective examination are ways in which psychoanalysts carry out their work."
Abstract This paper discusses the view that personality development is a growth process which can successfully overcome and deal with socio-psychological and even physical impairment that may have a psychological impact and dimensions. The paper focuses on a specific subject whose disadvantageous experience at an early age played a subconscious role in the subject's self - perception and esteem later in life; but which was successfully overcome in the process of personality growth towards a more integrated whole.
From the Paper "There are two aspects that seem to be run concurrently in the analysis of the school years of development. The first, as mentioned, was the slight visual aspect which was rectified and therefore had no long-term effects. However, the second issue is a psychological one which was to have a greater impact; this was the feeling of inadequacy which was initiated by very high exceptions, coupled with a social and home environment which possibly demanded achievements that were unrealistic at the time. She states that; "Average grades are disasters for me. I have high expectations of myself." This is also evidenced by the statement by the subject that marks of 80 or 90 percent were not deemed to be sufficient by the subject's mother. While this was possibly a form of encouragement, it also served to add to an already sensitive level of low self-worth, which was to follow the subject into her two marriages. Throughout it must be emphasized that the subject shows an extremely laudable sense of resilience in the battle against this feeling of low esteem."
Abstract This paper discusses developmental theory and applies it to a specific case of a student in elementary school with ADHD, hyperactivity disorder. Within the paper the practice of developmental theory is discussed, and then the theory is applied to the pertinent case. In this instance the child will need to be observed for what he is doing, and assessments made to provide him with a treatment plan.
From the Paper "The concept of developmental theory relies on the examination of an individual's life experiences, as well as the person's emotional and physical growth within their society. While there may be standard expectations of growth within certain age groups, there are also elements of growth that can only be determined within each individual (Maier, 1994, p. 58). This is evident when it is considered that each person has varying experiences within life, and that these experiences have a direct affect on the development of every individual. Within the realm of developmental theory a child can be evaluated in several areas. These may include life transitions, personal values, attachments to others, personal interactions, and "trials and errors" (Maier, 1994 p. 59)."
Abstract This paper describes a research project which attempted to determine techniques and modalities that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of developmental disabilities in general. A specific emphasis was placed on how these issues affect this population in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A review of the peer-reviewed and relevant literature is followed by an assessment of the significance of the research and its implications for policymakers and practitioners. A summary of the research is provided at the conclusion.
Outline:
Abstract
Disabled in Albuquerque
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Importance of the Study
Review and Discussion
Developmentally Disabled in Albuquerque Today
Creating a Collaborative Environment among Service Providers
Significance of Analysis
Implications for Policymakers
Implications for Healthcare Practitioners
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Because resources are by definition scarce, it is important to identify the most effective treatment modality available for helping people who are developmentally disabled. While most healthcare practitioners today may debate the fine points, a virtual consensus has emerged in recent years that suggests a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment is the most effective clinical intervention available because it makes the most of the resources that are available. By treating children and adults with developmental disabilities in an interdisciplinary setting characterized by culturally sensitive practitioners, the knowledge and expertise of a wide range of practitioners can be brought to bear on these challenging problems."
Abstract The paper shows that while the use of psychological interrogation methods is currently permissible by the courts in Canada, Great Britain and the U.S.A., many researchers argue that psychological interrogation is, in essence, no different than blatant coercion. Confession Law has slowly evolved over time alongside the evolution of interrogation methods. The paper discusses how prior to the 18th Century, English Common Law accepted confessions without any restrictions, which allowed confessions extracted through torture to be accepted as viable representations of objective truth. Today, the bottom line on the admissibility of confessions is that they are "typically excluded if elicited by physical violence, by a threat of harm or punishment, by a promise of leniency or immunity from prosecution, or by failure to notify a suspect of his or her constitutional rights to counsel and silence" (Kassin & McNall, 1991). The paper shows that despite these seemingly stringent laws regarding the admissibility of confessions, psychological interrogation methods are adept at circumventing the law, and continue to employ methods that run the risk of eliciting false confessions. This paper reviews the literature on Psychological Interrogation methods, false confessions and the implications of both.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Psychological Interrogation Tactics
Inside the Interrogation Room
Custodial Legal Advice & The Right to Silence
Psychological Interrogation Functioning as Coercion
Police Interrogations and Confessions
Communicating Promises and Threats by Pragmatic Implication
False Confessions
Occurrence of False Confessions
Creation of False Confessions
An Empirical Study On Recall
Discourse Study
Interrogative Suggestibility & Delinquent Boys
Psychological Characteristics of False Confessors
Consequences of False Confessions
From the Paper "Interrogation, as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is the act of "questioning; formally and systematically." Interrogations within criminal justice systems are used to gather information relevant to investigations, and more importantly, to elicit confessions from suspects. Methods of interrogation have changed drastically throughout history, but the ultimate goal of obtaining confessions has held constant. While the whips and chains of the past have now exited the western world's interrogation rooms, many scholars argue that today's suspects are still subjected to psychological tortures. Psychological Interrogation is the most recent approach used by law enforcement officials to extract information from suspects."
Tags: applied, brutality, deprivation, police, psychology, sleep, social
Abstract The paper states that there is no practical definition of "critical psychology" and then offers a suggestion. The paper states that critical psychology should contain certain components and the paper highlights them and addresses them. The paper explains that the field of critical psychology takes a critical look at mainstream psychology, and in the process, embraces several disciplines within the field of psychology that practitioners of critical psychology feel have been ignored by mainstream psychology.
From the Paper "Parker wrote that critical psychology should include these important components: one, a "systematic examination" of how some aspects of mainstream psychological dynamics operate "ideologically and in the service of power" (in other words, mainstream psychology supports the status quo which is not always on the right side of social change); two, critical psychology should include a study of the ways in which "all varieties of psychology are culturally historically constructed," and how alternative versions of psychology may "confirm or resist ideological assumptions in mainstream models"; three, critical psychology should be a study of "forms of surveillance and self-regulation" in daily life patterns; and four, critical psychology should be an "Exploration of the way 'ordinary psychology' structures academic and professional work in psychology," and how everyday actions might offer the substance of a strategy for resisting "contemporary disciplinary practices."
