The fundamental issue for developmental psychology is the interaction between nature and nurture in human development. Development from conception to birth illustrates the nature/nurture interaction. This chapter first discusses various topics of study within the field and distinguishes among several research methods. Genetic abnormalities and environmental influences that affect prenatal development are listed. Stages of development starting with the newborn and following through to middle childhood are presented. Finally, a description of the developmental theories that address the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development at each stage is discussed.
To further investigate the topics covered in this chapter, you can visit the related websites by visiting the following link:
http://www.mhhe.com/feldmanup6-12links. Prologue: The Brave New World of Childhood
Section 1: Nature and Nurture: The Enduring Developmental Issue - Determining the Relative Influences of Nature and Nurture
- Specific Research Approaches
Section 2: Prenatal Development: From Conception to Birth Applying Psychology in the 21st Century:
Cloning, Gene Therapy, and the Coming Medical Revolution
- Development from Zygote to Birth
Section 3: The Extraordinary Newborn - Reflexes
- Development of the Senses: Taking in the World
Section 4: The Growing Child: Infancy Through Middle Adulthood - Physical Development
- Development of Social Behavior: Taking on the World
Section 5: Cognitive Development: Children's Thinking About the World - Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
- Information-Processing Approaches: Charting Children's Mental Programs
- Vygotsky's View of Cognitive Development: Considering Culture
Psychology at Work: Michael J. Morrier,
Preschool Coordinator
Exploring Diversity: Supporting Children's School Achievement: The Asian Success Story
Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology:
Maximizing Children's Competence
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education