By Tara Queen and Jacqui Smith, University of Michigan.  Traditionally, research on aging described only the lives of people over age 65 and the very old. Contemporary theories and research recognizes that biogenetic and psychological processes of aging are complex and lifelong. Functioning in each period of life is influenced by what happened earlier and, in turn, affects subsequent change. We all age in specific social and historical contexts. Together, these multiple influences on aging make it difficult to define when middle-age or old age begins. This module describes central concepts and research about adult development and aging. We consider contemporary questions about cognitive aging and changes in personality, self-related beliefs, social relationships, and subjective well-being.

Developmental Psychology, also known as Human Development or Lifespan Development, is the scientific study of ways in which people change, as well as stay the same, from conception to death. You will no doubt discover in the course of studying that the field examines change across a broad range of topics. These include physical and other psychophysiological processes, cognition, language, and psychosocial development, including the impact of family and peers.

A good way to understand how an individual changes over the lifespan is to observe them. However, that takes a long time. An alternative research method that is often used in developmental psychology is a cross-sectional design, where different individuals, at various stages of the lifespan, are studied all at once. The purpose of this assignment is to help you identify and understand the theories and concepts of lifespan psychology using the cross-sectional research method with three individuals at various stages of the lifespan. You will interview each individual and collect raw data (i.e., interview notes) and provide that raw data as well as a summary report that focuses on how this individual exemplifies an aspect of developmental psychology.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

Very brief overview of lifespan developmental years, including information on each of Erik Erikson's stages of development, Piaget's theory of development, and Kohler's stages of moral development. Duration: 4:15.

An introduction to psychological stages of development, the normal and abnormal processes that occur, and psychosocial issues of each stage: prenatal, childhood, adolescence, early/middle/late adulthood.
Duration: 6:39.

A brief introduction to the psychological study of lifespan development. Topics include physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that people experience from conception to death. Issues addressed: are developmental processes continuous or discontinuous, is there one course of development for all people, and developmental nature vs nurture. Duration: 2:15.