Understanding Human Development

Summary:

This document serves as an introduction to the study of human development, specifically focusing on the developmental journey of an individual from conception to old age. It explores the interplay of biological, social, and cultural factors that shape psychological development, behaviour, and various aspects of physical, intellectual, and personality growth throughout different stages of human life.

The field of human development encompasses scientific investigations to explain the underlying reasons behind specific human behaviours. It adopts an empirical approach, relying on observations and experimentation to acquire knowledge. Additionally, it follows a systematic methodology, utilizing both inductive reasoning (from general observations to specific conclusions) and deductive reasoning (from specific premises to general theories) to enhance our understanding.

This resource is highly beneficial for psychology students, as it provides comprehensive information on the multifaceted aspects of human development.

Excerpt:

Understanding Human Development

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
SECTION A
LESSON 1/4: INTRODUCTION

In this course, we will focus on the developmental study of the individual from conception to senescence. It deals with biological, social and cultural factors that influence psychological development and behaviour as well as physical, intellectual and personality development in different stages of human growth and development.

The field of human development is a scientific study that tries to explain why certain behaviours occur; it also is an empirical study because we gain knowledge through observations and experimentation, and is a systematic study because we also gain knowledge through inductive (general to specific) and deductive (specific to general) reasoning.

SECTION A

Lesson 2/4: Definition of terms

Growth

Growth may also be called evolution. It is the change that takes place in a person from conception to death in the physical and psychological capacities, e.g. adding inches to height or improving one’s ability. It is the quantitative increase in physical size, physical skills, and the number of relationships with other people etc.

Maturity

This is the continued and progressive changes in an individual in response to experiential conditions that result in a complex network of interactions.