Module 1 Knowledge Expectations

By the end of Module 1, you should have basic knowledge of the following concepts. I have also included brief overviews of each.

Discuss the distinctive features of a life-span perspective on development. The life-span perspective emphasizes that development is a lifelong process, involving growth, maintenance, and regulation of loss. It views development as multidimensional (involving biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions), multidirectional (involving both growth and decline), and plastic (capable of being molded). It also highlights the influence of contextual factors such as culture, history, and individual experiences.

Describe the main theories of human development.


Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud): Emphasizes unconscious processes and the influence of early childhood experiences on development.

Cognitive Development Theory (Piaget): Focuses on how children actively construct their understanding of the world through stages of cognitive development.

Behaviorism (Skinner, Watson):
Views development as a result of learning through interactions with the environment, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment.

Social Learning Theory (Bandura): Highlights the importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling.

Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner): Emphasizes the multiple levels of environmental influence on development, from immediate settings to broader societal contexts.

Explain how research on life-span development is conducted. Research on life-span development is conducted using various methods, including longitudinal studies (tracking the same individuals over time), cross-sectional studies (comparing individuals of different ages at one point in time), and sequential studies (combining both longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches). Researchers also use observational methods, surveys, experiments, and case studies to gather data. 

Explain some of the ways that heredity and environment interact to produce individual differences in development. Heredity and environment interact in complex ways to influence development. Genetic predispositions can affect how individuals respond to environmental influences, and environmental factors can enhance or suppress genetic potentials. This interaction is evident in phenomena such as gene-environment correlations (where genetic tendencies influence the environments individuals are exposed to) and epigenetics (where environmental factors can affect gene expression).

Describe prenatal development. Prenatal development occurs in three stages: the germinal stage (first two weeks after conception, involving cell division and implantation), the embryonic stage (weeks 3-8, where major organs and structures begin to form), and the fetal stage (from week 9 to birth, characterized by growth and maturation of body systems).

Articulate the birth process and understand the obstacles to healthy births for women and infants in the US today. The birth process includes three stages: labor (contractions begin and the cervix dilates), delivery (the baby is born), and afterbirth (the placenta is expelled). Obstacles to healthy births in the US include access to quality prenatal care, socioeconomic disparities, preexisting health conditions, and disparities in maternal healthcare that can lead to higher rates of complications and mortality among certain racial and ethnic groups.

Explain the changes that take place in the postpartum period. The postpartum period involves physical changes (such as hormonal adjustments, recovery from childbirth), emotional changes (including potential postpartum depression), and lifestyle adjustments as parents adapt to caring for a newborn. This period can be challenging and may require support from healthcare providers, family, and community resources.

Discuss physical growth and development in infancy. Infants experience rapid physical growth and development, with significant increases in weight and height, and the development of motor skills. Growth patterns include the development of gross motor skills (e.g., crawling, walking) and fine motor skills (e.g., grasping objects).

Describe infants' motor development. Infants' motor development progresses from reflexive movements to voluntary actions. Milestones include lifting the head, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, and walking. Motor development is influenced by both biological maturation and environmental experiences.

Summarize the course of sensory and perceptual development in infancy. Sensory and perceptual development begins in the womb and continues rapidly after birth. Infants develop the ability to see (with improving acuity and depth perception), hear (discriminating sounds), taste, smell, and touch. They also begin to integrate sensory information, such as coordinating sight and touch.

Summarize and evaluate Piaget's theory of infant development. Piaget's theory of infant development is part of his broader theory of cognitive development. In infancy, children are in the sensorimotor stage, where they learn about the world through their senses and motor activities. Key concepts include object permanence (understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight) and the development of schemes (patterns of behavior and thinking).

Describe cognitive development in infancy. Cognitive development in infancy involves the development of memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Infants begin to understand cause and effect, develop object permanence, and show evidence of early language development. Cognitive growth is influenced by interactions with caregivers and the environment.

Discuss the development of emotions and personality in infancy. Infants develop a range of emotions, including joy, anger, sadness, and fear. Emotional development is closely tied to social interactions with caregivers. Personality traits, such as temperament, begin to emerge in infancy and can influence how infants interact with their environment and form attachments.

Describe social orientation/understanding and the development of attachment in infancy. Social orientation involves an infant's ability to recognize and respond to social cues from caregivers and others. Attachment theory (Bowlby) describes how infants form emotional bonds with their primary caregivers, which serve as a foundation for future social relationships. Secure attachment is associated with positive developmental outcomes, while insecure attachment can lead to challenges in social and emotional development.

Explain how social contexts influence development. Social contexts, including family, peers, schools, and cultural environments, play a crucial role in shaping development. These contexts provide support, set expectations, and influence the opportunities and experiences available to individuals. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory highlights the multiple layers of environmental influence, from immediate settings (microsystem) to broader societal factors (macrosystem).