Introduction to Developmental Psychology
The concept and main factors of development
Basic overview of research strategies, methods and designs focused on human development
Developmental Psychology
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Dear students,
welcome to the Developmental Psychology course. Requirements for completion and basic information about the course can be found in the attached presentation. We hope that the Interactive syllabus will make it easier for you to study in this difficult semester. This syllabus will be continously supplemented. We wish us all good health.
The goals of the lecture I
Reading
Each lecture will contain a reading chapter. To get the most from the text we recommend to follow this script.
1) Answer the "Questions before Reading"
Answering these questions will help you to prepare for the content of the text, reflect on your expectations of the text, and place the read information into the overall context.
2) Read the text
Each week there will be approximatelly 15 pages of compulsory reading. Sometimes the texts will be longer. In these cases the text will be divided into "compulsory" and "optional" sections. However for those who take their preparation for future profession seriously we recommend to read both parts.:)
3) Answer the "Questions after Reading"
Answering these questions will help you determine if you have mastered the key knowledge that will be required in the final test.
NOTES: In some cases we would add some extra comments to the text. These comments will be highlighted under "NOTES" section
The most important parts that will be vital for your future studying and practice are highlighted.
We also recommend to make notes during the reading and revise them few days later.
Text 1: Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Its Research Strategies
Source:
Shaffer, D. R., Kipp, K., Wood, E., & Willoughby, T. (2013). Developmental psychology: childhood and adolescence (Fourth Canadian Edition). Nelson Education. (1st chapter; pp 1-39)
Compulsory reading: pp. 2-5, 9-16, 27-30,
Optional reading: pp. 6-8, 17-26, 31-39
Questions before Reading:
What was your motivation for enrolling in the course?
What are your expectations from the course?
What questions do you want to be answered during the course?
Questions after Reading:
What is development?
What causes us to develop?
What are the basic characteristics of development?
Considering the historical perspective how could contemporary western societies be described?
What is reliability and validity?
What are the common methodsused in developmental psychology research?
What is cross-sectional design?
What is longitudinal design?
NOTES: Table 1.1: A chronological Overview f Human Development is correct and usefull, however for our purposes we will be using slightly different periodization - see Picture 1 at the end of this chapter.