Growth and Development

Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal

 Educational Psychology
• Educational psychology is the branch of psychology that is
concerned with the scientific study of human learning.
• The study of learning processes, from both cognitive and
behavioural perspectives, allows researchers to understand
individual differences in intelligence, cognitive development,
affect, motivation, self-concept, and their role in learning.
• In this branch of psychology the findings of psychology are applied
in the field of education. It is the scientific study of human
behaviour in educational setting.
• According to Charles. E. Skinner, “Educational psychology deals
with the behaviour of human beings in educational situations”.
• According to Crow & Crow, “Educational psychology describes and
explains the learning experiences of an individual from birth
through old age”.
Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal
 Growth and Development
• Growth’ and ‘Development’ are often used as
synonymous terms. But, in fact, growth is different from
development.
• Growth: Growth means an increase in bodily dimensions
such as height, weight, etc which are generally
quantitative in nature.
• Growth refers to structural and physiological changes. It
refers to change in size.
• Growth is external in nature and stops at a certain stage.
The mechanism that regulates the process of growth is
called maturation. It is external in nature.
Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal
 Growth and Development
• Development: Development means a progressive series of change
that occur in an orderly predictable pattern as a result of
maturation and experience.
• It refers to change in structure form or shape and improvement in
working or functioning. Improved functioning implies certain
qualitative changes leading to maturity.
• It refers to those effects upon the person’s cognitive and emotional
systems which strengthen one or more abilities of the person in the
desired manner.
• Development describes the changes in the organism as a whole and
does not list the changes in parts.
• Development is a cognitive process and is internal in nature. It
refers to interaction with his environmental surroundings.

Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal

 Growth and Development
• Development is a wider and comprehensive term.
• It refers to overall changes in the individual.
• Development is a continuous process.
• It goes from womb to tomb.
• It does not end with the attainment of maturity, the
changes however small they may be, continue
throughout the life span of an individual.

Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal

 Growth and Development
• Development is also possible without growth.
• Growth may or may not bring development.
• Normally Growth contributes to Development.
• In reality though ‘Growth and Development’ are
different, but they are inseparable.
• Generally process of Growth and Development goes on
simultaneously.
• Food and nutrition affect growth and development
both.

Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal

 Characteristics of Growth
• Growth is a complex process. It follows a definite sequence or
pattern.
• Growth proceeds more rapidly in the early age of life.
• Rate of growth is not uniform in different stages of life.
• Growth is not a continuous process, it stops at maturity.
• Growth is influenced by heredity and environment.
• Growth is cumulative in nature.
• Individual differences influence growth.
• Growth is measurable and is quantitative in nature.
• The rate and pattern of growth can be modified by
conditions, internal and external to the body.
Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal
Characteristics of Development
• Development is the result of maturation and experience.
• Development follows a definite and predicable pattern.
• Development is not uniform in all individuals.
• Development depends on both heredity and environment.
• Development is not observable and measurable.
• Development is qualitative in nature.
• Development is internal in nature and can be physical, social,
emotional, moral, cognitive, etc.
• Development is functional.
• It is a life long continuous process and can take place without
growth also.
Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal
 Difference between Growth and
Development
Growth
Growth is physical and external in nature.
Growth refers to changes in the particular
aspects of body.
Growth is observable and measureable.
Growth is quantitative.
Growth is structural.
Growth stops at maturity.
Growth may or may not bring
development.
Growth does not depend upon
maturation and learning.
Prepared By: Dr. Neha Goyal
Development
Development is internal and can be
physical, social, emotional, moral, etc.
Development refers to over all changes
resulting in improved functioning of the
individual.
Development is not observable and
measureable.
Development is qualitative.
Development is functional.
Development is a continuous process.
Development is possible without growth.
Development depends upon maturation
and learning.