Exploring Developmental Psychology: Understanding Theory and Methods

Author: Margaret Harris

As I went through the ebook, I learned that one way that developmental

psychology optimizes development and learning is through developmental psychology theories.

There are many theories in developmental psychology, and sometimes they are contradictory.

Research is ongoing to determine the best methods for understanding and

exploring development. The book refers to explore the different ways of thinking about and

studying children’s development There is a so-called Variational change which refers to

variation within the development at a particular point. I can say that Developmental Psychology

is a scientific approach which aims to explain growth, change and consistency though the

lifespan. Developmental psychology looks at how thinking, feeling, and behavior change

throughout a person’s life. Developmental psychologists study a wide range of theoretical areas,

such as biological, social, emotion, and cognitive processes. Harris pointed out that People

undergo many physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, and emotional changes throughout

life, and it is these changes that developmental psychologist’s study. Developmental

psychology theories tend to explain development in terms of a progression through life

stages. I have also researched that One such of these theories,  Jean Piaget's theory of

development, is considered to be the first stage theory, and Piaget himself is considered to

be one of the most important figures in developmental psychology. Piaget believed all

individuals passed through the same four stages. In order to progress from one stage to the

next, a person must meet the goals of the current stage. Harris also conducted an

experimental research with infants and toddlers, and older children which concluded the

author’s study.
Reference:

Harris, M. (2008). Exploring Developmental Psychology : Understanding Theory and Methods.

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 Developmental Psychology

Author: Håkansson, Johan

The book contains a lot of research about Developmental Psychology that includes
children’s peer relationship and social skills. Childhood social and personality development
emerges through the interaction of social influences, biological maturation, and the child’s
representations of the social world and the self. Peer relationships can also contribute negatively
to social emotional development through bullying, exclusion, and deviant peer processes.
Universal, school-based, social emotional learning programs provide a strong foundation for
promoting healthy social emotional development and creating positive peer cultures. It is also
stated that Developmental psychology, also known as human development, is the scientific study
of systematic psychological changes that occur in human beings over the course of the life span.
Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence
and adult development, aging, and the entire life span. Developmental psychology is the study of
how biologically determined characteristics like height and temperament combine with
contextual influences like family, schooling, religion, and culture to shape human development
and behavior throughout life. The effects of these interactions on persons of various ages are the
subject of research.
The research points to the need to not only promote the development of critical social-
emotional capacities, but also attend to and create positive peer processes to ensure that every
child is able to engage in and benefit from healthy relationships at home, school, peer group, and
community.

Reference:

Håkansson, J. (2010). Developmental Psychology. Retrieved from

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