Human

Development

Developmental Psychology

the scientific study of how and why human beings develop over
the course of their life.

Historical Origins

Developmental psychology as a discipline did not exist until after

the industrial revolution

Initially developmental psychologists were interested in studying

the mind of the child so that education and learning could be
more effective.

Charles Darwinis credited with conducting the first

systematic study of developmental psychology.

Wilhelm Preyer was a founder of scientificchild psychology,

and a pioneer in human development research based on
empirical observation and experimentation.

Jean Piaget
John Bowlby

Lev Vygotsky

Growth

Defined as the physical changes that occur in humans

throughout their lifetime.

change in size, in proportion, disappearance of old features and

acquisition of new ones

It is quantitative in nature

Development

Refers to a process of change in growth and capability over time,

as function of both maturation and interaction with the
environment.

It is related to the maturation and myelination of the nervous

system and indicates acquisition of a variety of skills for optimal
functioning of the individual

Described as the qualitative changes that occur in humans.

Growth Vs Development
Growth

Development

Used in purely physical sense.

Generally refers to increase in size,
length.

Implies overall change in shape,

form or structure resulting in
improved working or function

Changes in the quantitative aspects

come into the domain of Growth

Changes in the quality or character

rather than the quantitative aspects
comes in this domain

Part of developmental process.

Comprehensive and wider term and

refers to overall changes in the
individual

Does not continue throughout life

Continues throughout life and is

progressive

Cellular. Takes place due to

multiplication of cells

Organizational. All parts which have

growth and differentiation have
produced.

Prenatal Development

Germinal Stage

Two-week period after conception

Conception occurs when a sperm cell combines with an egg cell

to form azygote.

Around seven days after conception, the ball of cells starts to

become embedded in the wall of the uterus called
Implantation.

One key feature of the germinal stage is the formation of a tissue

called theplacenta.

Embryonic Stage

Lasts from the end of the germinal stage to two months after
conception.

The developing ball of cells is now called anembryo.

At the end of the embryonic period, the embryo is only about an

inch long.

Teratogens, which are agents such as viruses, drugs, or radiation

that can cause deformities in an embryo or fetus

Fetal Stage

Lasts from two months after conception until birth

Sex organs of the fetus begin to form.

fetus quickly grows as bones and muscles form, and it begins to

move inside the uterus.

Organ systems develop further and start to function.

the brain increases rapidly in size, an insulating layer of fat forms

under the skin, and the respiratory and digestive systems start to
work independently.