Unit 3: The Life SpanUnit 3: The Life Span

The “Wonder Years”

Infancy and ChildhoodInfancy and Childhood

Do you remember anything from when you Do you remember anything from when you were a baby?were a baby?

Less than 15 or 16 years ago you were Less than 15 or 16 years ago you were probably only about 2 feet tall and taking your probably only about 2 feet tall and taking your first step.first step.

Developmental Psychology:Developmental Psychology: The study of The study of changes that occur as an individual matures!changes that occur as an individual matures!

NewbornsNewborns

NewbornsNewborns

What can newborns do? Hmmmm…What can newborns do? Hmmmm… Newborns have the ability at birth to see, hear, smell, Newborns have the ability at birth to see, hear, smell,

and respond to the environment.and respond to the environment. This allows newborns to adapt to the world that is This allows newborns to adapt to the world that is

changing around them.changing around them. Newborn babies go from an environment in which Newborn babies go from an environment in which

they are totally protected from the world…To one they are totally protected from the world…To one where they are assaulted by lights, sounds, touches, where they are assaulted by lights, sounds, touches, and extremes of temperature.and extremes of temperature.

NewbornsNewborns Many, but not all newborns, Many, but not all newborns,

are born with certain reflexes are born with certain reflexes to help protect them from this to help protect them from this changing world.changing world.

Grasping Reflex:Grasping Reflex: A response to A response to touch on the palm of the hand.touch on the palm of the hand.

- Infants can grasp an - Infants can grasp an object, such as a finger, object, such as a finger, so strongly that they so strongly that they could be lifted in the could be lifted in the air!air!

NewbornsNewborns Rooting Reflex:Rooting Reflex: If an If an

alert newborn is alert newborn is touched anywhere touched anywhere around the mouth, they around the mouth, they will move their head will move their head and mouth towards the and mouth towards the source of the touch.source of the touch. This allows an infant This allows an infant

to suck, breathe air, to suck, breathe air, and swallow without and swallow without getting confused.getting confused.

Physical DevelopmentPhysical Development

At birth, 95% of infants weigh between 5.5 At birth, 95% of infants weigh between 5.5 and 10 pounds and are 18 to 22 inches in and 10 pounds and are 18 to 22 inches in length.length.

Maturation:Maturation: The internally programmed The internally programmed growth of a child.growth of a child.

(See chart in packet)(See chart in packet) Besides grasping and sucking, newborns look Besides grasping and sucking, newborns look

at all of their surroundings!at all of their surroundings!

The Development of LanguageThe Development of Language

Language and thought are closely intertwined!Language and thought are closely intertwined! Both abilities involve using various symbols.Both abilities involve using various symbols. We are able to think and talk about objects that We are able to think and talk about objects that

are not necessarily present and about ideas that are not necessarily present and about ideas that are not necessarily true.are not necessarily true.

A child begins to think and to represent things A child begins to think and to represent things for him/herself prior to his/her ability to speak.for him/herself prior to his/her ability to speak.

Can Animals use language?Can Animals use language?

Psychologists believe that chimpanzee’s Psychologists believe that chimpanzee’s must develop at least as far as 2-year-old must develop at least as far as 2-year-old humans because like 2-year-olds, they humans because like 2-year-olds, they will still look for a toy that has will still look for a toy that has disappeared.disappeared.

In fact, several chimpanzees have been In fact, several chimpanzees have been taught to converse in other ways. taught to converse in other ways.

Chimpanzees have been trained to use Chimpanzees have been trained to use computers!computers!

While Chimps can communicate using While Chimps can communicate using forms of human language on a computer forms of human language on a computer (after trained of course), they do NOT (after trained of course), they do NOT understand grammar.understand grammar.

Of course animals can communicate!Of course animals can communicate!

How Children Acquire Knowledge!How Children Acquire Knowledge!

Nature vs. Nurture…Here we go again.Nature vs. Nurture…Here we go again. Nature:Nature: Sounds, Crying, Squealing, etc…Sounds, Crying, Squealing, etc…

Where do they come from?Where do they come from? Nurture:Nurture: Seeking approval for sounds made?Seeking approval for sounds made? Mimicking: Copying what others do or say…Mimicking: Copying what others do or say… By the time children are 2 years old they have By the time children are 2 years old they have

a vocabulary of between 500 and 1,500 words!a vocabulary of between 500 and 1,500 words!

More about Language!More about Language!

Telegraphic Speech:Telegraphic Speech: The kind of verbal The kind of verbal utterances in which words are left out, but the utterances in which words are left out, but the meaning is usually clear.meaning is usually clear.

Examples: “Daddy fall down,” “Where my Examples: “Daddy fall down,” “Where my apple.”apple.”

Words are left out, but the message still gets Words are left out, but the message still gets across.across.

Word!Word!

Cognitive and Emotional Cognitive and Emotional Development!Development!

Cognitive and Emotional Cognitive and Emotional Development!Development!

How do we change what we know?How do we change what we know?

Schema:Schema: Conceptual framework a person uses Conceptual framework a person uses to make sense of the world.to make sense of the world.

Assimilation:Assimilation: The process of fitting objects The process of fitting objects and experiences into one’s schemas.and experiences into one’s schemas.

Accommodation:Accommodation: The adjustment of one’s The adjustment of one’s schemas to include newly observed events and schemas to include newly observed events and experiences.experiences.

Wow that was confusing, so here’s a Wow that was confusing, so here’s a big example:big example:

Suppose an infant encounters Suppose an infant encounters a new block. The block fits a new block. The block fits his schema for other blocks he his schema for other blocks he has encountered before.has encountered before.

He may fit it into his He may fit it into his “stacking schema.” The “stacking schema.” The infant has stacked blocks infant has stacked blocks before and can easily before and can easily assimilate the new block into assimilate the new block into an existing schema.an existing schema.

More…More…

Assimilation and Accommodation work Assimilation and Accommodation work together to produce intellectual growth.together to produce intellectual growth.

When events do not fit into existing schemas, When events do not fit into existing schemas,

new and grander schemas have to be created.new and grander schemas have to be created.

Therefore, a child begins to see and understand Therefore, a child begins to see and understand things in new ways!things in new ways!

Object PermanenceObject Permanence

An infant’s understanding of things lies totally An infant’s understanding of things lies totally in the here and now.in the here and now.

The sight of a toy, the way it feels, and the The sight of a toy, the way it feels, and the sensation it produces in an infants mouth are sensation it produces in an infants mouth are all he/she knows.all he/she knows.

He or she cannot and does not imagine it, He or she cannot and does not imagine it, picture it, think of it, or even remember it.picture it, think of it, or even remember it.

When an infants toy is hidden from them, they When an infants toy is hidden from them, they act as if it no longer exists.act as if it no longer exists.

Object PermanenceObject Permanence

If you take an infants toy and hide it under a If you take an infants toy and hide it under a blanket while they are watching, they will look blanket while they are watching, they will look under the blanket for it.under the blanket for it.

However, if you then take the toy from under However, if you then take the toy from under the blanket and hide it behind your back, the the blanket and hide it behind your back, the infant will continue to look under the blanket.infant will continue to look under the blanket.

Object Permanence:Object Permanence: A child’s realization that A child’s realization that an object exists even when he or she cannot an object exists even when he or she cannot touch it.touch it.

Object PermanenceObject Permanence

Representational ThoughtRepresentational Thought

Representational Thought:Representational Thought: The intellectual The intellectual ability of a child to picture something in his or ability of a child to picture something in his or her mind.her mind.

Once this is achieved, a child’s intelligence is Once this is achieved, a child’s intelligence is no longer based on actions only.no longer based on actions only.

In other words, a child can now think of In other words, a child can now think of something, rather than having to see it first!something, rather than having to see it first!

Jean PiagetJean Piaget

1896 – 19801896 – 1980 Born: SwitzerlandBorn: Switzerland Question: How does Question: How does

knowledge grow?knowledge grow? He studied his own 3 He studied his own 3

children and thousands of children and thousands of other children!other children!

He created the different He created the different levels of cognitive levels of cognitive development!development!

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development!Development!

According to Piaget, there are “4” stages of According to Piaget, there are “4” stages of cognitive development!cognitive development!

Stage One (0-2 years):Stage One (0-2 years): Sensorimotor Stage.Sensorimotor Stage. During this stage the infant uses schemas that During this stage the infant uses schemas that primarily involve his/her body and sensations.primarily involve his/her body and sensations.

Stage Two (2-7 years):Stage Two (2-7 years): Preoperational Preoperational Stage.Stage. During this stage, the child begins to During this stage, the child begins to use mental images or symbols to understand use mental images or symbols to understand things.things.

Stage Three (7-11 years):Stage Three (7-11 years): Concrete Operations.Concrete Operations. During this stage, children are able to use logical During this stage, children are able to use logical schemas but their understanding is limited to concrete schemas but their understanding is limited to concrete objects or problems.objects or problems.

Stage Four (11-upward):Stage Four (11-upward): Formal Operations Formal Operations Stage.Stage. During this stage, a person is able to solve During this stage, a person is able to solve abstract problems. abstract problems.

According to Piaget, a person’s development through According to Piaget, a person’s development through these four stages depends on both the maturation of these four stages depends on both the maturation of his or her nervous system and on the kinds of his or her nervous system and on the kinds of experiences that he or she has had.experiences that he or she has had.

Everyone goes through the stages in some order, but Everyone goes through the stages in some order, but not necessarily at the same age.not necessarily at the same age.

Let’s Take a break shall we?Let’s Take a break shall we?

Now back to the material…Now back to the material…

What is Imprinting?What is Imprinting? Imprinting:Imprinting: Inherited tendencies or responses Inherited tendencies or responses

that are displayed by newborn animals when that are displayed by newborn animals when they encounter new stimuli in their they encounter new stimuli in their environment.environment.

What is a Critical Period?What is a Critical Period? Critical Period:Critical Period: A specific time in A specific time in

development when certain skills or abilities are development when certain skills or abilities are most easily learned.most easily learned.

The Importance of MothersThe Importance of Mothers

Separation Anxiety:Separation Anxiety: Occurs whenever a Occurs whenever a child is suddenly child is suddenly separated from his or separated from his or her mother. If the her mother. If the separation persists, the separation persists, the child may develop child may develop psychological disorders.psychological disorders. Soft “monkey mom” Soft “monkey mom”

example.example.

Parenting Styles!Parenting Styles!

There are “3” primary There are “3” primary ways in which the ways in which the majority of families majority of families around the world are around the world are run. Some are stricter run. Some are stricter than others. Some are than others. Some are more lenient. Which more lenient. Which way is the correct way is the correct way?way?

The Authoritarian Family!The Authoritarian Family!

In this type of family, In this type of family, parents attempt to parents attempt to control, shape, and control, shape, and evaluate behavior and evaluate behavior and attitudes of their attitudes of their children in accordance children in accordance with a set code of with a set code of conduct.conduct.

““You WILL act this You WILL act this way!”way!”

Democratic/Authoritative Family!Democratic/Authoritative Family!

In this type of family, In this type of family, children and children and adolescents participate adolescents participate in most decisions in most decisions effecting their lives.effecting their lives.

““What do you think?” What do you think?” - Negotiation.- Negotiation.

Permissive/Laissez-Faire Family!Permissive/Laissez-Faire Family!

In this type of family, In this type of family, children and children and adolescents have the adolescents have the final say; parents are final say; parents are less controlling and less controlling and have a non-punishing, have a non-punishing, accepting attitude accepting attitude towards their children.towards their children.

““Whatever you want.”Whatever you want.”

Effects of Parenting StylesEffects of Parenting Styles

What do you think?What do you think?

Numerous studies show that children who Numerous studies show that children who grow up in a democratic or authoritative grow up in a democratic or authoritative family are more confident in their own values family are more confident in their own values and goals than other young people.and goals than other young people.

The children of democratic families are more The children of democratic families are more likely to want to make their own decisions likely to want to make their own decisions with or without advice.with or without advice.

Hmmm…..Hmmm…..

Keep in mind that Keep in mind that although the style parents although the style parents adopt in dealing with adopt in dealing with their children influences their children influences adolescent development, adolescent development, it would be wrong to it would be wrong to conclude that parents are conclude that parents are solely responsible for the solely responsible for the way that their children way that their children turn out.turn out.

Why?Why?

Child Abuse Child Abuse Child Abuse:Child Abuse: Includes the physical Includes the physical

or mental injury, sexual abuse, or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or negligent treatment, or mistreatment of children under the mistreatment of children under the age of 18 by adults entrusted with age of 18 by adults entrusted with their care.their care.

Accurate statistics are difficult to Accurate statistics are difficult to compile, but in 1999 about 3 million compile, but in 1999 about 3 million cases were reported. After cases were reported. After investigation, about 826,000 cases investigation, about 826,000 cases were confirmed.were confirmed.

What Causes this?What Causes this?

Child abuse results from many different causes.Child abuse results from many different causes. Many abusive parents were themselves mistreated as Many abusive parents were themselves mistreated as

children, suggesting that such parents may have children, suggesting that such parents may have learned an inappropriate way of caring for their learned an inappropriate way of caring for their children.children.

Such parents tend to use harsh physical discipline Such parents tend to use harsh physical discipline with their children and have very little patience.with their children and have very little patience.

Often, abusive parents have unrealistic expectations Often, abusive parents have unrealistic expectations of their children as well.of their children as well.

Social DevelopmentSocial Development

Social DevelopmentSocial Development

Socialization:Socialization: The process of learning the The process of learning the rules of behavior of the culture within which rules of behavior of the culture within which an individual is born and will live.an individual is born and will live.

Can anyone explain this?Can anyone explain this? In order to live with other people, a child has In order to live with other people, a child has

to learn what is considered both acceptable to learn what is considered both acceptable and unacceptable.and unacceptable.

Why is it important that children become Why is it important that children become socialized to their specific environment? Is it?socialized to their specific environment? Is it?

Socialization?Socialization?

Social DevelopmentSocial Development

So, the process of socialization should be easy So, the process of socialization should be easy right? Why?right? Why?

Some social rules are stable, some are open to Some social rules are stable, some are open to interpretation, and some change on a daily interpretation, and some change on a daily basis!basis!

Differences in social behavior of boys and Differences in social behavior of boys and girls.girls. Examples?Examples? Fair?Fair?

Social DevelopmentSocial Development Socialization not only involves Socialization not only involves

learning the rules and “norms” of learning the rules and “norms” of society, but also ideas, sexual society, but also ideas, sexual characteristics, culture, and how to characteristics, culture, and how to live with other people and yourself.live with other people and yourself.

Another primary part of learning Another primary part of learning the socialization process is learning the socialization process is learning your limitations and physical your limitations and physical abilities.abilities. Example:Example: A “4” year old who realizes A “4” year old who realizes

she cannot hit a softball on the first try she cannot hit a softball on the first try while other children can, knows how while other children can, knows how painful it can be to discover her painful it can be to discover her limitations.limitations.

Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development!Development!

Sigmund FreudSigmund Freud (who (who we have already talked we have already talked about) believed that all about) believed that all children are born with children are born with powerful sexual and powerful sexual and aggressive urges!aggressive urges!

According to Freud, in According to Freud, in learning to control learning to control these impulses, these impulses, children acquire a children acquire a sense of sense of rightright and and wrongwrong..

Psychosexual DevelopmentPsychosexual Development

According to Freud, in the first few years of According to Freud, in the first few years of life, boys and girls have similar experiences.life, boys and girls have similar experiences.

Their erotic pleasures are obtained through Their erotic pleasures are obtained through the mouth, sucking at their mother’s breast.the mouth, sucking at their mother’s breast.

Further, Freud states, that weaning the Further, Freud states, that weaning the child from nursing is a period of frustration child from nursing is a period of frustration and conflict – it is the child’s first and conflict – it is the child’s first experience with not getting what he wants.experience with not getting what he wants.

Freud’s Stages of Psychosexual Freud’s Stages of Psychosexual Development!Development!

According to Freud, there are “5” basic stages of According to Freud, there are “5” basic stages of psychosexual development.psychosexual development. 1. Oral Stage –1. Oral Stage – Infant pleasure from mouth. Infant pleasure from mouth. 2. Anal Stage –2. Anal Stage – Infant pleasure from “elimination.” Infant pleasure from “elimination.” 3. Phallic Stage –3. Phallic Stage – Infant pleasure from genitals. Infant pleasure from genitals. 4. Latency Stage –4. Latency Stage – Sexual thoughts repressed. Focus on Sexual thoughts repressed. Focus on

social/intellectual skills.social/intellectual skills. 5. Genital Stage –5. Genital Stage – Sexual desires are renewed. Thoughts of Sexual desires are renewed. Thoughts of

relationships.relationships. What are the ages of each of these?What are the ages of each of these?

Special notes about stages…Special notes about stages…

According to Freud, during the “Phallic Stage,” According to Freud, during the “Phallic Stage,” the child becomes a rival for the affections of the the child becomes a rival for the affections of the parent of the opposite sex!parent of the opposite sex!

The boy wants to win his mother for himself and The boy wants to win his mother for himself and finds himself in hostile conflict with his father.finds himself in hostile conflict with his father.

The girl wants her father for herself and tries to The girl wants her father for herself and tries to shut out her mother.shut out her mother.

Freud goes on to say that these struggles take Freud goes on to say that these struggles take place on an unconscious level!place on an unconscious level!

A Few Definitions…A Few Definitions…

Identification:Identification: The process by which a child The process by which a child adopts the values and principles of the same-adopts the values and principles of the same-sex parent.sex parent.

Sublimation:Sublimation: The process of redirecting The process of redirecting sexual impulses into learning tasks.sexual impulses into learning tasks.

Erikson’s Theory of Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development!Psychosocial Development!

Erikson’s Theory of

Psychosocial Development!

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development!Development!

Erik EriksonErik Erikson 1902 – 19941902 – 1994 Uses a much Uses a much

“broader” view of “broader” view of human development human development that Freud did.that Freud did.

Childhood is an Childhood is an “interactive process.”“interactive process.”

Psychosocial DevelopmentPsychosocial Development

Although Erikson recognizes a child’s sexual Although Erikson recognizes a child’s sexual and aggressive urges, he believes that the need and aggressive urges, he believes that the need for social approval is just as important.for social approval is just as important.

In order to assess whether or not his beliefs In order to assess whether or not his beliefs made sense, Erikson studied what he called made sense, Erikson studied what he called Psychosocial Development.Psychosocial Development.

Psychosocial Development: Psychosocial Development: Life periods in Life periods in which an individual’s goal is to satisfy desires which an individual’s goal is to satisfy desires associated with social needs.associated with social needs.

Psychosocial DevelopmentPsychosocial Development

While Erikson believes While Erikson believes that childhood that childhood experiences have a experiences have a lasting impact on the lasting impact on the individual, he also sees individual, he also sees development as a development as a lifelong interactive lifelong interactive process between people.process between people.

Crises!Crises!Erikson argues that we all face many crises as we grow from infancy to old age, as we mature, and as people expect more from us.

Each of these crises represents an issue that everyone faces.

The child, adolescent, or adult may develop more strongly in one way or another, depending on how other people respond to his or her efforts.

Example: A 2 year old gets excited he can walk. People encourage him, which helps his self esteem, so he begins to walk more often.

What happens if the baby is ignored?

Children’s Games…Serious?Children’s Games…Serious?

Why are children’s games a serious issue?Why are children’s games a serious issue? When children are left alone to play, they must When children are left alone to play, they must

learn to:learn to: 1. Learning to agree.1. Learning to agree. 2. Learning to relax and enjoy themselves.2. Learning to relax and enjoy themselves. 3. 3. Learning to adhere to established rules.Learning to adhere to established rules. 4. Learning to get along with each other.4. Learning to get along with each other.

More on Children’s GamesMore on Children’s Games Much of children’s play Much of children’s play

involves involves “role taking.”“role taking.” Role Taking:Role Taking: Children’s Children’s

play that involves play that involves assuming adult roles, thus assuming adult roles, thus enabling the child to enabling the child to experience different points experience different points of view.of view.

When role taking, When role taking, youngsters try on such youngsters try on such adult roles as mother, adult roles as mother, father, teacher, father, teacher, storekeeper, explorer, and storekeeper, explorer, and rock star!rock star!

More “Role Taking”More “Role Taking”

Role Taking allows children Role Taking allows children to experience different to experience different points of view first hand.points of view first hand.

Example:Example: One child may One child may play the role of a mother, play the role of a mother, while the other child acts as while the other child acts as a whiny baby. The children a whiny baby. The children may then learn the may then learn the frustrations of an actual frustrations of an actual parent. parent.

What might this cause?What might this cause?

Lawrence KohlbergLawrence Kohlberg

1927 – 19871927 – 1987 Studied social and Studied social and

moral development.moral development. What is right, and What is right, and

what is wrong.what is wrong. Looked at many Looked at many

different ages.different ages.

Stages of Moral DevelopmentStages of Moral Development

LevelLevel StageStage OrientationOrientation ExampleExamplePre-ConventionalPre-Conventional 11 Obedience/Punish Ok if not caughtObedience/Punish Ok if not caught

22 Relativist Ok if helps Relativist Ok if helps familyfamily

ConventionalConventional 33 Good boy/nice girl Respect for help Good boy/nice girl Respect for help

44 Law & Order IllegalLaw & Order Illegal

Post-ConventionalPost-Conventional 55 Social ContractSocial Contract OK = high cost OK = high cost

66 Universal EthicsUniversal Ethics Reversed Reversed

Topic of example, Topic of example, “stealing drugs!”“stealing drugs!”