Life span development notes
Unit 1
Nature and perspectives of LSD research methods and designs
Importance of Life Span Development:
Definition:
It is the pattern of movement or change that begins at conception and continues through the
human lifespan. Most development involves growth, although it also includes decline brought on
by aging and dying.
1. Life-span perspective: The perspective that development is lifelong, multidimensional,
multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual; involves growth, maintenance, and
regulation; and is constructed through biological, socio-cultural, and individual factors working
together.
2. It is the scientific study of how and why people change or remain the same over time.
3. It mostly consists of growth, but also decline (death). The Study of LifeSpan Development
helps us understand:
● Who we are .
● How we came to be this way.
● Where our future will take us.
● It also helps in dealing in a better way with ourselves and others.
Characteristics of Lifespan Development
1. Lifelong :
● There is no end point for development.
● No age period dominates development.
2. Multidimensional:
● At every age there is a change in body, mind and relationship.
● Development consists of biological, cognitive and socioemotional dimensions.
,● Even within a dimension, there are many components—for example, attention, memory,
abstract thinking, speed of processing information, and social intelligence .
3. Multidirectional:
● Some dimensions or components of a dimension expand or shrink.
● For Example: During adolescence, as individuals establish romantic relationships, their time
spent with friends may decrease. During late adulthood, older adults might become wiser by
being able to call on experience to guide their intellectual decision making, but they perform
more poorly on tasks that require speed in processing information .
4. Plastic (Plasticity): ● The capacity for change. ● Researchers have found that the cognitive
skills of older adults can be improved through training and developing better strategies. ●
However, possibly we possess less capacity for change when we become old.
5. Multidisciplinary: ● Studied in multiple disciplines such as; Psychology, Neuroscience,
Medical, Anthropology, Sociology. ● Psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists,
neuroscientists, and medical researchers all share an interest in unlocking the mysteries of
development through the lifespan.
6. Contextual ● All development occurs in a context. ● Individuals are changing beings in a
changing world. As a result of these changes, contexts exert three types of influences: 1.
Normative age graded influence- Similar for individuals in a particular age group. These
influences include biological processes such as puberty and menopause. They also include socio
cultural, environmental processes such as beginning formal education and retirement . 2.
Normative history-graded influence- Common to people of a particular generation because of
historical circumstances. Examples of normative historygraded influence include economic,
political, and social upheavals such as the Great Depression in the 1930s, World War II in the
1940s etc. 3. Non-normative or highly individualistic life events- Occurrences that have a major
impact on the individual’s life. These events do not happen to all people, and when they do occur
they can influence people in different ways.
7. Involves Growth, Maintenance and Regulation of Loss: ● Life often involves conflicts and
competition among three goals of human development: growth, maintenance, and regulation of
loss. ● As individuals age into middle and late adulthood, the maintenance and regulation of loss
in their capacities takes center stage away from growth.
8. Is a Co-construction of Biology, Culture and the Individual ● Development is a co-
construction of biological, cultural, and individual factors working together. ● For example, the
brain shapes culture, but it is also shaped by culture and the experiences that individuals have or
pursue.
Research Designs
,- Descriptive Research
All of the data-collection methods that we have discussed can be used in descriptive
research, which aims to observe and record behavior. For example, a researcher might
observe the extent to which people are altruistic or aggressive toward each other. By itself,
descriptive research cannot prove what causes some phenomena, but it can reveal
important information about people’s behavior.
- Correlational Research
In correlational research, the goal is to describe the strength of the relationship between
two or more events or characteristics. The more strongly the two events are correlated (or
related or associated), the more effectively we can predict one event from the other.
Correlation coefficient - A number based on statistical analysis that is used to describe the
degree of association between two variables.
- Experimental Research
An experiment is a carefully regulated procedure in which one or more of the factors
believed to influence the behavior being studied are manipulated while all other factors are
held constant.
Experiments include two types of changeable factors, or variables: independent and
dependent. An independent variable is a manipulated, influential, experimental factor. A
dependent variable is a factor that can change in an experiment, in response to changes in
the independent variable.
Experiments can involve one or more experimental groups and one or more control
groups. An experimental group is a group whose experience is manipulated. A control
group is a comparison group that is as much like the experimental group as possible and
that is treated in every way like the experimental group except for the manipulated factor
(independent variable). The control group serves as a baseline against which the effects of
the manipulated condition can be compared.
Periods of Development:
A developmental period refers to a time frame in a person’s life that is characterized by certain
features.
There are 8 Periods of Development:
1. Prenatal: Conception to birth.
2. Infancy: 18 -24 months
3. Early Childhood: Infancy to 5-6 years
4. Middle and late Childhood : 6- 11 years
5. Adolescence: 10-12 to 18 to 21
6. Early Adulthood: Early 20s to 30s
7. Middle Adulthood: 40 to 60 years
8. Late Adulthood: 60 -70 until death
, 1. Prenatal
- From a single cell to a complete organism.
- takes place in a nine month period.
The prenatal period is the time from conception to birth. It involves tremendous growth—from a
single cell to an organism complete with brain and behavioral capabilities—and takes place in
approximately a nine-month period.
THE GERMINAL STAGE
● Fertilization – 2 weeks: Germinal Stage
● Shortest stage of development.
● Conception occurs when the sperm fuses with the ovum and forms the zygote.
● 36 hours later, mitosis happens.
● Rapid cell division forms blast cyst, fluid filled spheres.
● Trophoblast: outer layer of the cells, provide nutrition and support the embryo.
● Implantation: The mass of cell moves slowly along the mother’s fallopian tube to the uterus
lining. Blast cyst implants in the endometrial of the uterus.
THE EMBRYONIC STAGE
● 2 – 8 weeks, ends in the 2 nd month
● Zygote changes into - Embryo is formed
● Layers of cell:
a) endoderm (which will become the digestive and respiratory systems),
b) mesoderm (which will become the muscle and skeletal systems),
c) ectoderm (which will become the skin and nervous system)
● Amniotic sac, Placenta, Umbilical cord, Organogenesis (organ formation)
● Critical period, spontaneous abortion
● Sex differentiation
● First month: 3 rd to 4 th week.● Around the fourth week, the head begins to form quickly
followed by the eyes, nose, ● ears, and mouth.● Second month: 5 th to 8 th week, rapid growth
continuous – eyes, ears, jaws and neck form ● Tiny buds- arms and legs, internal organs become
more distinct ● Upright position due to changing proportions.
THE FETAL STAGE
● Embryo becomes foetus.
● Two months after conception.
● Bones and muscles form, and the fetus begins to move inside the uterus.
● During the last stage, respiratory and digestive system start working, Sensory system
● develop. neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord and neurons continue to form.
● Heartbeat gets strong, external genitals are well formed. Reflexes increase
● Definite sleep-wake patterns
● Vernix caseosa: is the waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of
● new-born human babies. It is produced by dedicated cells and is thought to have
● some protective roles during fetus development and for a few hours after birth.
● Lanugo: Lanugo is very thin, soft, usually unpigmented, downy hair that is
● sometimes found on the body of a foetal or new-born human.
Unit 1
Nature and perspectives of LSD research methods and designs
Importance of Life Span Development:
Definition:
It is the pattern of movement or change that begins at conception and continues through the
human lifespan. Most development involves growth, although it also includes decline brought on
by aging and dying.
1. Life-span perspective: The perspective that development is lifelong, multidimensional,
multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual; involves growth, maintenance, and
regulation; and is constructed through biological, socio-cultural, and individual factors working
together.
2. It is the scientific study of how and why people change or remain the same over time.
3. It mostly consists of growth, but also decline (death). The Study of LifeSpan Development
helps us understand:
● Who we are .
● How we came to be this way.
● Where our future will take us.
● It also helps in dealing in a better way with ourselves and others.
Characteristics of Lifespan Development
1. Lifelong :
● There is no end point for development.
● No age period dominates development.
2. Multidimensional:
● At every age there is a change in body, mind and relationship.
● Development consists of biological, cognitive and socioemotional dimensions.
,● Even within a dimension, there are many components—for example, attention, memory,
abstract thinking, speed of processing information, and social intelligence .
3. Multidirectional:
● Some dimensions or components of a dimension expand or shrink.
● For Example: During adolescence, as individuals establish romantic relationships, their time
spent with friends may decrease. During late adulthood, older adults might become wiser by
being able to call on experience to guide their intellectual decision making, but they perform
more poorly on tasks that require speed in processing information .
4. Plastic (Plasticity): ● The capacity for change. ● Researchers have found that the cognitive
skills of older adults can be improved through training and developing better strategies. ●
However, possibly we possess less capacity for change when we become old.
5. Multidisciplinary: ● Studied in multiple disciplines such as; Psychology, Neuroscience,
Medical, Anthropology, Sociology. ● Psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists,
neuroscientists, and medical researchers all share an interest in unlocking the mysteries of
development through the lifespan.
6. Contextual ● All development occurs in a context. ● Individuals are changing beings in a
changing world. As a result of these changes, contexts exert three types of influences: 1.
Normative age graded influence- Similar for individuals in a particular age group. These
influences include biological processes such as puberty and menopause. They also include socio
cultural, environmental processes such as beginning formal education and retirement . 2.
Normative history-graded influence- Common to people of a particular generation because of
historical circumstances. Examples of normative historygraded influence include economic,
political, and social upheavals such as the Great Depression in the 1930s, World War II in the
1940s etc. 3. Non-normative or highly individualistic life events- Occurrences that have a major
impact on the individual’s life. These events do not happen to all people, and when they do occur
they can influence people in different ways.
7. Involves Growth, Maintenance and Regulation of Loss: ● Life often involves conflicts and
competition among three goals of human development: growth, maintenance, and regulation of
loss. ● As individuals age into middle and late adulthood, the maintenance and regulation of loss
in their capacities takes center stage away from growth.
8. Is a Co-construction of Biology, Culture and the Individual ● Development is a co-
construction of biological, cultural, and individual factors working together. ● For example, the
brain shapes culture, but it is also shaped by culture and the experiences that individuals have or
pursue.
Research Designs
,- Descriptive Research
All of the data-collection methods that we have discussed can be used in descriptive
research, which aims to observe and record behavior. For example, a researcher might
observe the extent to which people are altruistic or aggressive toward each other. By itself,
descriptive research cannot prove what causes some phenomena, but it can reveal
important information about people’s behavior.
- Correlational Research
In correlational research, the goal is to describe the strength of the relationship between
two or more events or characteristics. The more strongly the two events are correlated (or
related or associated), the more effectively we can predict one event from the other.
Correlation coefficient - A number based on statistical analysis that is used to describe the
degree of association between two variables.
- Experimental Research
An experiment is a carefully regulated procedure in which one or more of the factors
believed to influence the behavior being studied are manipulated while all other factors are
held constant.
Experiments include two types of changeable factors, or variables: independent and
dependent. An independent variable is a manipulated, influential, experimental factor. A
dependent variable is a factor that can change in an experiment, in response to changes in
the independent variable.
Experiments can involve one or more experimental groups and one or more control
groups. An experimental group is a group whose experience is manipulated. A control
group is a comparison group that is as much like the experimental group as possible and
that is treated in every way like the experimental group except for the manipulated factor
(independent variable). The control group serves as a baseline against which the effects of
the manipulated condition can be compared.
Periods of Development:
A developmental period refers to a time frame in a person’s life that is characterized by certain
features.
There are 8 Periods of Development:
1. Prenatal: Conception to birth.
2. Infancy: 18 -24 months
3. Early Childhood: Infancy to 5-6 years
4. Middle and late Childhood : 6- 11 years
5. Adolescence: 10-12 to 18 to 21
6. Early Adulthood: Early 20s to 30s
7. Middle Adulthood: 40 to 60 years
8. Late Adulthood: 60 -70 until death
, 1. Prenatal
- From a single cell to a complete organism.
- takes place in a nine month period.
The prenatal period is the time from conception to birth. It involves tremendous growth—from a
single cell to an organism complete with brain and behavioral capabilities—and takes place in
approximately a nine-month period.
THE GERMINAL STAGE
● Fertilization – 2 weeks: Germinal Stage
● Shortest stage of development.
● Conception occurs when the sperm fuses with the ovum and forms the zygote.
● 36 hours later, mitosis happens.
● Rapid cell division forms blast cyst, fluid filled spheres.
● Trophoblast: outer layer of the cells, provide nutrition and support the embryo.
● Implantation: The mass of cell moves slowly along the mother’s fallopian tube to the uterus
lining. Blast cyst implants in the endometrial of the uterus.
THE EMBRYONIC STAGE
● 2 – 8 weeks, ends in the 2 nd month
● Zygote changes into - Embryo is formed
● Layers of cell:
a) endoderm (which will become the digestive and respiratory systems),
b) mesoderm (which will become the muscle and skeletal systems),
c) ectoderm (which will become the skin and nervous system)
● Amniotic sac, Placenta, Umbilical cord, Organogenesis (organ formation)
● Critical period, spontaneous abortion
● Sex differentiation
● First month: 3 rd to 4 th week.● Around the fourth week, the head begins to form quickly
followed by the eyes, nose, ● ears, and mouth.● Second month: 5 th to 8 th week, rapid growth
continuous – eyes, ears, jaws and neck form ● Tiny buds- arms and legs, internal organs become
more distinct ● Upright position due to changing proportions.
THE FETAL STAGE
● Embryo becomes foetus.
● Two months after conception.
● Bones and muscles form, and the fetus begins to move inside the uterus.
● During the last stage, respiratory and digestive system start working, Sensory system
● develop. neural tube develops into the brain and spinal cord and neurons continue to form.
● Heartbeat gets strong, external genitals are well formed. Reflexes increase
● Definite sleep-wake patterns
● Vernix caseosa: is the waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of
● new-born human babies. It is produced by dedicated cells and is thought to have
● some protective roles during fetus development and for a few hours after birth.
● Lanugo: Lanugo is very thin, soft, usually unpigmented, downy hair that is
● sometimes found on the body of a foetal or new-born human.
