Developmental Psychology

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

1. 01

   Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

   Foundations of Development

   1. 1.1

      Themes & theories

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and explain key themes and theories in developmental psychology.

      • Define major themes in developmental psychology such as nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. discontinuity, and critical periods.
      • Describe influential theories including those of Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and Lev Vygotsky.
      • Discuss how these themes and theories apply to understanding human development across the lifespan.
   2. 1.2

      Research methods

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate different research methods used in developmental psychology.

      • Identify various research methods including longitudinal, cross-sectional, and experimental designs.
      • Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each research method in studying development.
      • Discuss ethical considerations in conducting research with children and vulnerable populations.
   3. 1.3

      Genetics & prenatal development

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the role of genetics and prenatal development in shaping human behavior.

      • Define genetics and its significance in developmental psychology.
      • Explain the stages of prenatal development and their impact on future development.
      • Discuss the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors during prenatal development.
2. 02

   Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

   Infancy & Early Childhood

   1. 2.1

      Physical & brain development

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the key aspects of physical and brain development during infancy and early childhood.

      • Define physical development and its significance in early childhood.
      • Describe the stages of brain development in infants and toddlers.
      • Identify factors that influence physical growth and brain maturation.
      • Explain the relationship between physical development and cognitive abilities.
   2. 2.2

      Cognitive development (Piaget)

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can summarize Piaget's theory of cognitive development and its stages.

      • Define cognitive development and its importance in early childhood.
      • Outline Piaget's four stages of cognitive development: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.
      • Discuss key characteristics of each stage and their implications for learning.
      • Explain how Piaget's theory can be applied to educational practices.
   3. 2.3

      Attachment & early emotion

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the concepts of attachment and early emotions in infants.

      • Define attachment and its types, including secure and insecure attachment.
      • Explain the role of early emotions in social and emotional development.
      • Discuss the impact of caregiver responsiveness on attachment styles.
      • Identify the long-term effects of attachment on later relationships.
3. 03

   Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

   Childhood

   1. 3.1

      Language development

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the stages of language development in children.

      • Define language development and its importance in childhood.
      • Identify the stages of language development: pre-linguistic, one-word, two-word, and multi-word stages.
      • Discuss the role of environment and interaction in language acquisition.
   2. 3.2

      Social & moral development

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the key aspects of social and moral development in children.

      • Define social development and moral development in the context of childhood.
      • Identify key theories of social and moral development, including those by Erikson and Kohlberg.
      • Discuss the influence of family, culture, and peers on social and moral development.
   3. 3.3

      Family & peers

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the impact of family and peers on child development.

      • Define the roles of family and peers in childhood development.
      • Identify different family structures and their effects on children.
      • Discuss the importance of peer relationships and socialization in childhood.
4. 04

   Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

   Adolescence

   1. 4.1

      Puberty & physical change

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the process of puberty and its physical changes during adolescence.

      • Define puberty and its significance in development.
      • Identify the primary physical changes that occur during puberty.
      • Discuss the role of hormones in physical development during adolescence.
      • Explain the variations in timing and experience of puberty among individuals.
   2. 4.2

      Identity & cognition

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the development of identity and cognitive processes in adolescents.

      • Define identity and its importance in adolescent development.
      • Describe the stages of identity formation according to Erikson's theory.
      • Explain cognitive development during adolescence, including formal operational thinking.
      • Discuss the impact of social influences on identity and cognition.
   3. 4.3

      The social world of teens

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the social dynamics and relationships that characterize the teenage years.

      • Define the social world of adolescents and its key components.
      • Identify the importance of peer relationships during adolescence.
      • Discuss the role of family dynamics in adolescent socialization.
      • Analyze the impact of social media on teen interactions and relationships.
5. 05

   Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

   Adulthood & Aging

   1. 5.1

      Early & middle adulthood

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the key developmental tasks and challenges of early and middle adulthood.

      • Define early adulthood and middle adulthood stages.
      • Identify major psychological and social challenges faced during these stages.
      • Discuss the impact of relationships and career on development in early and middle adulthood.
   2. 5.2

      Late adulthood & cognition

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the cognitive changes that occur in late adulthood.

      • Define late adulthood and its significance in the lifespan.
      • Identify common cognitive changes and challenges in late adulthood.
      • Discuss strategies to maintain cognitive health in late adulthood.
   3. 5.3

      Death, dying & life review

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the processes of death, dying, and life review.

      • Define the concepts of death and dying in a psychological context.
      • Identify the stages of grief and their implications for individuals and families.
      • Discuss the importance of life review and its impact on psychological well-being.