PSYC 140: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
COMPREHENSIVE COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE PACK LATEST 2026
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why people change
over the course of their lives. It examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
development from conception through death.
Key Themes in Development
• Nature vs. Nurture: The interaction between genetic inheritance and
environmental factors
• Continuity vs. Discontinuity: Whether development is gradual or occurs in
stages
• Critical vs. Sensitive Periods: Optimal timing for specific developments
• Plasticity: The brain's ability to change throughout life
Research Methods
Method Description
Cross-sectional Comparing different age groups at one point in time
Longitudinal Following same individuals over time
Sequential Combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal
, Major Theoretical Perspectives
Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
Jean Piaget proposed that children progress through four universal stages of
cognitive development:
Stage Age Key Features
Sensorimotor 0-2 years Learning through senses and actions; object
permanence develops
Preoperational 2-7 years Symbolic thinking, egocentrism, lack of
conservation
Concrete 7-11 years Logical thinking about concrete objects;
Operational conservation mastered
Formal 12+ years Abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking,
Operational systematic problem-solving
Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory
Erik Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial development, each with a
central crisis:
Age Crisis Key Outcome
0-1 year Trust vs. Mistrust Hope, security
1-3 years Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt Independence, will
3-6 years Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose, direction
6-12 years Industry vs. Inferiority Competence, achievement
12-18 years Identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity, sense of self
Young adult Intimacy vs. Isolation Love, relationships
Middle adult Generativity vs. Stagnation Care, productivity
Late adult Integrity vs. Despair Wisdom, acceptance
Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Key Concepts:
COMPREHENSIVE COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE PACK LATEST 2026
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why people change
over the course of their lives. It examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
development from conception through death.
Key Themes in Development
• Nature vs. Nurture: The interaction between genetic inheritance and
environmental factors
• Continuity vs. Discontinuity: Whether development is gradual or occurs in
stages
• Critical vs. Sensitive Periods: Optimal timing for specific developments
• Plasticity: The brain's ability to change throughout life
Research Methods
Method Description
Cross-sectional Comparing different age groups at one point in time
Longitudinal Following same individuals over time
Sequential Combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal
, Major Theoretical Perspectives
Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory
Jean Piaget proposed that children progress through four universal stages of
cognitive development:
Stage Age Key Features
Sensorimotor 0-2 years Learning through senses and actions; object
permanence develops
Preoperational 2-7 years Symbolic thinking, egocentrism, lack of
conservation
Concrete 7-11 years Logical thinking about concrete objects;
Operational conservation mastered
Formal 12+ years Abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking,
Operational systematic problem-solving
Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory
Erik Erikson identified eight stages of psychosocial development, each with a
central crisis:
Age Crisis Key Outcome
0-1 year Trust vs. Mistrust Hope, security
1-3 years Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt Independence, will
3-6 years Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose, direction
6-12 years Industry vs. Inferiority Competence, achievement
12-18 years Identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity, sense of self
Young adult Intimacy vs. Isolation Love, relationships
Middle adult Generativity vs. Stagnation Care, productivity
Late adult Integrity vs. Despair Wisdom, acceptance
Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Key Concepts:
