Chapter 1: The Beginnings Michael Hoerger. Introduction Developmental psychology: how and why all...

Chapter 1:

The Beginnings

Michael Hoerger

Introduction

Developmental psychology: how and why all people change or stay the same

The scientific study of human development:

1. Science2. All kinds of people3. Change

Science?

“Depends on theories, data, analysis, critical thinking, and methods similar to those used in every science, from physics to economics” Lax standards, fads Ethical limitations Defining constructs Soft versus Hard science

Multidirectional Growth Growth may be non-linear

Multicontextual

Cohort Effect Social Construction

Personality Schizophrenia, ADHD, Anorexia,

Depression Sexual normalcy Sports

Socioeconomic status

Multicultural

What is normal here may not be normal elsewhere. Both may work

kibbutz Arranged

marriages

Scientific Method

Butterfly Effect

Definition: A small event can have a large effect Freud studying with Charcot (shar-ko) Back to the Future Evolution Traumatic event

But… often the opposite occurs. Large events often cause small effects

Michael Hoerger

To cite this textbook: Berger, K. (2005). The developing person

through the lifespan. New York: Worth.

To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, January 10).

Developmental Psychology: The Beginnings. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.