Introductory Psychology Open Course: Unit 12
Developmental Psychology
In this unit we'll consider how we develop over time, from the earliest aspects of physical development in the womb to final reflections on our life in old age. Developmental psychologists investigate changes throughout the lifespan, as we grow and acquire new physical abilities, develop new cognitive skills, and form social relationships. They also consider how we are influenced by aging, as some of our skills diminish and our personal priorities shift over time.


Introduction to Development & Erik Erikson's 8 Ages of Man

Prenatal Development

Infant development milestones in motor & perceptual development

Early brain development

Piaget's concept of assimilation & accommodation of schema

Piaget's sensorimotor stage & related concepts

Piaget's preoperational stage & related concepts

Piaget's concrete & formal operational stages

Lev Zygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development

Early attachment & relationship formation

Diana Baumrind's classification of parenting styles

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Aspects of puberty & adolescent development

Development of sexual orientation

Changes in adulthood and aging

Additional Resources: