APPENDIX

Developmental Psychology:
The study of how humans change through a lifespan emotionally, cognitive, and
socially. This theory is a westernized idea that came about when childhood became
socially constructed. Psychologists became interested in studying the mind of a
child so that some form of formal education could be established. The study of
developmental study in adults is a new area of research due to advanced science.
Developmental psychology can be traced back to Charles Darwin and Wilhelm
Preyer which had observed and
from infancy to childhood.

documented their own kids

(McLead, 2012)

Within developmental psychology there are several types of research. Some of the
most iconic theorist who helped establish developmental psychology as a practice is
Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Jean Piaget developed Stage Theory. Which a theory
that each human goes through the same stages of life. Each stage of life has its own
characteristics and psychosocial goals. Lev Vygotsky branched off from Piagets
theory and believed that culture had a huge impact childrens values and
development. (Developmental Psychology, n.d.)

Lev

Vygotsk
y

Reference Page

Jean

Piaget

McLead, S.A. (2012).

Developmental Psychology.
Retrieved from

http://www.simplypsychology.org/developmental-psychology.html
Psychologists World. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.psychologistworld.com/developmental/.

Lev
Vygstoky

John
Piaget

To: Professor Gomez

From: Nidia Bustamante
Subject: Extended Definition
Date: March 1, 2015
The purpose of this memo is to justify the term I choose to define. My major
is psychology so I choose to define developmental psychology.
Summary
Developmental psychology is the study of human change throughout a
lifespan. I choose this term because I believe it is beneficial for everyone to
know both in personal and professional lives.
Discussion
Reasoning: I picked this term because I learned it in the first psychology
class I had. It was also the class that made me decide to change majors.
What I learned from that class and term, I use often if not daily. I apply what I
learned to my son mostly, to know if he is on the right track or if I should
adjust my parenting skills. It also ties together with my ultimate goal of
becoming an occupational therapist and working with kids.
Audience: my audience is the general public. I choose this audience
because this is a term that everyone should know. It will help you understand
phases of peoples lives and therefore make you be considerate of people
lives.