DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

UNIT I-IV

CONTENTS PAGE

Module 1 Basic Concepts and Nature of Developmental

Psychology…………………….……………………

Development Psychology as a Branch of Psychology...

Basic Principles of Growth and Development in
Human Behaviour ………………….………………….
Biological Basis of Human Development ……………
Scientific Methods in Developmental Psychology…..

Module 2 Major Theories of Human Development ……….…

Sigmund Freudian Theory of Psycho-Sexual

Development …………………………………………

Cognitive Theory of Human Development,

The Cognitive Development View .................................

Module 3 Stages of Human Growth and Development ..............

Prenatal Development ....................................................

Neonatal Development/Infancy......................................
The Concept and Nature of Childhood Development
Adolescence Stage .........................................................
Adulthood Development ................................................

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

MODULE 1 BASIC CONCEPTS AND NATURE OF

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Unit 1 Development Psychology as a Branch of Psychology

Unit 2 Basic Principles of Growth and Development in Human
Behaveiour
Unit 3 Biological Basis of Human Development
Unit 4 Scientific Methods in Developmental Psychology

UNIT 1 DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY AS A

BRANCH OF PSYCHOLOGY

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Definition of Developmental Psychology
3.2 Human Developmental Changes
3.3 Development Tasks
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology which deals with

studying developmental changes of human and animal behaviour. The
unit examines the basic concepts and nature of developmental
psychology. In addition the unit x-rays scientific methods in the study
of developmental psychology.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 define the concept of developmental psychology

 identify the nature of development
 distinguish between “growth and development”
 describe the roles of maturation and learning in development
 describe at least two scientific methods in developmental
psychology.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Definition and Description of Developmental Psychology

Psychology is the science of human and animal behaviour. It is a

science that seeks to understand and predict human and animal
behaviour. The application of the knowledge to practical problems is an
art. Thus psychology is both a science and an art.

The field of human development is regarded as developmental

psychology. The branches of developmental psychology are child
development or child psychology, adolescent psychology and adulthood
psychology. Child psychology focused on the developmental changes
of children from conception to early adolescent. Child psychology is the
centre of developmental psychology since behaviour develops rapidly in
the childhood state. Adolescent psychology and adulthood psychology
deal with developmental changes, characteristics and problems that
occur especially in adolescence and adulthood periods.

Developmental psychology therefore is a branch of psychology that

studies developmental changes covering the life span from conception to
death. All the segments of life span or developmental pattern of
childhood, adolescent hood and adulthood or old age cover different
periods or stages that occur during the entire life span. Scholars and
authorities like Hurlock (1978) defined developmental psychology as
the ontogenetic study of the development of organism from conception
through childhood, adolescent, adult and senescence till death. Apart
from studying chronological and mental ages of human beings, it
regulates the structural, functional and behavioural changes that occur in
humans before maturity.

Recently developmental psychologists identified six major objectives

according to Hurlock. These objectives are to find out:

i) What the common and characteristic age changes in appearance,

behaviour, interests, and goals from one development period to
another.
ii) When these changes occur.
iii) What causes the changes
iv) How they behaviour;
v) Whether they can or cannot be predicted; and
vi) Whether they are individual or universal”

The goal of developmental psychology is to identify how the individual

develops cognitively and affectively in addition to motor development
from pre-natal stage to adult stage or old age. Developmental

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

psychology emphasizes the factors affecting developmental changes and

influencing changes, and the orderliness and sequential nature of human
development. Thus developmental psychology is a special branch of
psychology and mental processes which involves growth and
developmental changes in terms of differentiation, the maturation, and
learning, integration of biological, cognitive and affective processes
(Akinboye et al 1982). It is also includes the study of processes that
contribute to foundations of life in terms of fertilisation, zygote
formation, embryonic development leading to the development of the
neonate, the child, adolescent, adult and senescence (old age).

In developmental psychology, two concepts are used namely: “growth

and development”. Some developmental psychologists use growth and
development inter changeably but, are they the same? In this respect
they are different although go hand in hand or inseparably. Both refer to
changes and the processes are interrelated and inter-dependent on each
other. In addition, other basic concepts in developmental psychology
are maturation and learning. Basically, growth refers to quantitative
changes that are increase in bodily dimensions such as height, weight
and size. For instance, as a result of growth, the size and structure of
internal organs and the brain increase. The child grows mentally as well
as physically. This also implies that the child has the tendency of
learning, remembering and reasoning as a result of growth of the brain.

By contrast, development refers to those qualitative changes which

along with growth i.e. from maturation and learning. Hurlock (1972),
Zanden (1978) and Baller and Charles (1968) defined development as a
progressive sequence of orderly, coherent changes. Progressive
according to Hurlock signifies that the changes are directional leading
forward rather backward. Orderly and coherent suggest that there is a
definite relationship between a given stage and the stages which precede
or follow it. The progressive series of changes occur as a result of
maturation and experience. The developmental changes also occur at
each stage of human growth and development. Development leads
toward the goal of maturity. Maturity therefore marks the end of growth
and development. The nature of development generally implies a
dynamic interaction between the organism and its environmental forces.
It involves increase in size, differentiation and complex form of
organization such as personality formation. Development is therefore the
quantitative and qualitative changes of an individual child.

3.2 Human Developmental Changes

The developmental changes in human beings are categorized into

changes in size, proportion and disappearance of old features. The
human being is never static rather he is undergoing constant changes.

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At every chronological age some changes manifest at the beginning
while others are at their peak and some are declining. These changes
occur physically, emotionally, mentally and disappearance of old
features to be replaced by new ones (i.e. baby teeth, baby feet etc).

The process of development has been explained from different

perspectives and some of them are development as maturation and
learning or development as the synthesis of maturation and learning. In
this perceptive, Piaget identified four basic elements in development
which are as follows: maturation; experience, social transmitted
development such as learning through language, schooling or training by
parents; and equilibration. (i.e. when an individual adapts easily to
environmental demands).

Development as maturation is governed by genetical and environmental

factors. Basically development comes from maturation. Maturation
provides the raw material for learning and orderly behaviour:
Development as learning signifies that development is a collection of
learning experiences which the individual acquires in the process of
interaction with his environment. Learning is a key in human
behvaviour. In this regard, learning can be defined as any relatively
permanent change in behviour which occurs as a result of practice or
experience. (Morgan, et.al., 1979). The changes due to growth or
maturation are not learning. Additionally, development as synthesis
indicates that development is the essential process and each element of
learning occurs as a function of wholist development rather than being
an element which explain development. The interrelationship which
exists between maturation and learning generates development which
leads to individual differences and variation in personality, attitudes,
interest and behaviour patterns.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1

1. Briefly explain the role of maturation and learning in

development
2. Identify and describe tutor marked assignment research methods
in developmental psychology. Why is the study of human growth
and development of importance for the teacher?

3.3 Developmental Tasks

Other aspects of development changes are the social expectations for

each stage of development which Havighurst labeled developmental
task. Development is critical and plays a significant role in maturation
and learning. It follows a definite and predicted pattern, as a result of
change in behaviour which leads to individual differences. Each stage

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

of development has its hazards and is affected by cultural belief and

changes.

According to Havighurst, a developmental task is a “task which arises as

or about a certain period in the life of the individual, successful
achievement of which leads to happiness and to success with later tasks,
while failure leads to unhappiness and difficulty with later tasks”

The above definition indicates that the individuals are meant to know the
societal expectations at given ages. Parents and teachers are expected to
guide the young children through teaching to acquire different skills by
the knowledge of what the society expects, the children to master the
skills in order to adjust successfully in life.

The developmental tasks predict the failure for an individual to master

the tasks as a result of aids and handicaps to mastery.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 2

i) Define developmental psychology

ii) State two objectives of developmental psychology
iii) Explain what is meant by development?
iv) Distinguish between “growth and development” in organism.

You may include the following answers

i) Developmental Psychology is a branch of science of behaviour

which studies the development of organism from conception
through childhood, adolescent, adult and senescence (old age).
ii) The two objectives of are to identify the characteristic
chronological age changes from one development period to
another; and to find out when these development changes occur
and what causes them.
iii) Development simply means the orderly and sequential changes in
an organism from conception to death
iv) Growth refers to quantitative changes (i.e height, weight, size)
while development refers to those qualitative changes which go
along with growth (i.e. from maturation and learning).

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit you have learnt the concept and objectives of developmental
psychology. You also have learned development changes in human
beings emphasizing on the roles of maturation and learning; and
developmental tasks. You have learnt how the field of developmental
psychology benefits from scientific methods.

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You have seen how psychologists‟ especially developmental
psychologists see the concept of growth and development in terms of
quantitative and qualitative changes in human and animal organisms.

5.0 SUMMARY

You have learnt in this unit that:-

i) Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that studied

the developmental stages of an individual behaviour from
conception till death.
ii) The concept of growth and development indicates that growth
refers to quantitative changes (height, weight, size) while
development refers to these qualitative changes which occur as a
result of maturation and learning.
iii) Social expectations are expressed in terms of developmental tasks
which is essential for the mastery of persons and social
adjustment.
iv) The research methods employed in the study of human
development are observation, survey, case study and
experimental methods.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1.a. Distinguish between growth and development with appropriate
examples.
2 Describe the roles of maturation and learning to human
development.
3 Why is the study of the human growth and development of
important to teacher-interns or teacher trainees.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
Akinboye J.O.; Dupe, Fagbami; Majekodunmi, So; Okafor, C. N and
Esezobor, S. O. (1982). Psychological Foundations of Education.
Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books (Nig) Ltd.
Baller, W. R and Charles Don. C. (1968). The Psychology of Human
Growth and Development. New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston, INC.
Chauham, S. S. (1978). Advanced Educational Psychology. New Delhi:
Vikas Publishing House PUT Ltd.
Hurlock, E.B. (1980). Child Development. Tokyo: McGraw-Hill,
Kogakusha Ltd.
Hurlock, E. B. (1980). Developmental Psychology: All Span Approach.
New York: McGraw Hill Book.

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

UNIT 2 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GROWTH AND

DEVELOPMENT IN HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Basic Principles of Development
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In unit 1, we have defined both growth and development, and some

aspects of developmental changes. In this unit therefore the emphasize
will be on the principles of growth and development, factors influencing
growth and development and sex determination.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 describe two principles of development

 identify and explain two factors influencing growth and
development
 describe sex determinants in growth and development.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Basic Principles of Development

Human life is a process of continual development. It finds expression in

physical change, intellectual change, personality change, and social
change across the life span and to live is to change (Reddy, 1978). Early
development of a child involves differentiation, increase in size and
complex forms of organization. There are structural, physiological and
behaviour patterns in all the stages of development. The human has a
pattern of development. These patterns form the basic principles of
development. The patterns are cephalocaudal (cephalo = head; caudal =
tail) and proximodistal (proximo = central or middle; distal = periphery
terminator).

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i) The process of development follows an orderly sequence or
pattern in all individuals, for example the orderly patterns of
physical, and mental development of the child follow the law of
directional sequence of development. Psychologists maintained
that the law of developmental direction and predictable pattern
are the “cephalocaudal law” and the proximodistal law”. The
cephalocaudal law means that development proceeds from head
to foot (tail) while the proximodistal law implies that
development follow from trunk to extremities” the outer parts of
the body

ii) Development proceeds from general to specific responses as

differentiation and integration. For instance language
development of the child begins from the birth and cry as a
means of response. The differentiation response starts as the
child acquires vocabulary of many words and latter develops
communication skills.

iii) Development is predicable with changes namely growth,

maturation and learning. Development is the sum total of all
changes that occur in an organism. It continues the effect of
growth and learning. Development therefore is influenced by
genetic or heredity and environmental forces. Growth is
quantitative and development is wider in scope. It is quantitative
and quantitative. Maturation is the stronger motivation on the
part of the learner and sets the limit of developmental changes no
matter the type of learning methods employed. The learner
cannot learn unless he is ready. Learning in this regard is the
relatively permanent change in behaviour as a result of reinforced
practice or experience. For an individual to grow and develop
fully, there must be four basic changes namely, growth,
maturation, learning and development.

iv) There are individual differences and variations in development.

These imply that children develop at different rates. Every child
is biologically, physiologically and maturation ally different from
every other. The differences occur as child proceeds to
adolescence and eventually to adulthood.

v) Growth and development are continuous. The child is

continuously developing. Sometimes the growth and
development are slow, and sometimes they are rapid i.e. “growth
Spurt‟s during infancy and adolescence. But they are always
occurring.

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

vi) Development behaviour is controlled by needs. The developing

child needs nutritional materials in order to enhance his
cognitive, physiological, emotional and social needs. For instance
the child requires love and affection, belongingness and
acceptance especially from his peer group in order to satisfy his
emotional and social needs. If the developing child is deficient,
the development requirements may not be fulfilled.

vii) Development proceeds by different developmental stages.

Human life proceeds by stages. Each stage is distinguished by a
dominant feature. It is characterized by a specific kind of
development which is more prominent than the other. For
example the five major developmental stages in childhood begin
with prenatal stage down to infancy, babyhood, childhood and
puberty when the child becomes sexually mature.

viii) Developmental changes are inter-related and proceed at different

rates.
The mental, physical, and social aspects of development are inter-
related as such the child develops as a wholistic individual.
Although these aspects of traits develop at different rates

ix) Critical period in development – There are critical periods in

development of certain organs and functions of the body. The
development of the organs of the body could be perfected
through nutrient materials and other accident in order to enable
the organ function properly. Any further interference may lead to
mal-function or normal deficiency. Examples of such organs are
eyes, brain, heart, and kidney.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Explain the meaning of cephalocaudal law of human

development.
2. Explain what is meant by proximodistal law of human
development.
OR
Explain the laws which govern human development as orderly
and sequentially
3. list and explain two principles of development

- The expected answers among other are:

i) The “Cephalo caudal law” of developmental direction states that

development proceeds from head to tail (foot).

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ii) The “proximodistal law” of developmental direction holds that
development proceeds from trunk to extremities (or outer part of
the body).
OR
The laws of developmental direction (cephalocaudal and
proximodistal laws) hold that development proceeds from head to
foot and from trunk (inside) to extremities (outside).

iii) Growth and development are continuous but uneven. They

always occur at different rates. Growth Spurts do appear
especially during infancy and adolescence in the process of
human growth.

b) Individual differences and variation occur during development.

These occur in children at different rates. The differences happen
as the child proceeds to adolescence and eventually old age. But
every child is biologically, physiologically and maturation ally
different from each other.

4.0 CONCLUSION

You have noted that human life is a process of continual development

which finds expression in physical, intellectual, personality and social
changes across life span. This means that to live is to change. You have
also noted that stages of development can involve differentiation,
increase in size and complex forms of organization.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit, you have studied the basic principles of development. In

this regard you learnt that:

i) The process of development follows an orderly sequence or

pattern.
ii) Development proceeds from general to specific.
iii) Development is predicable with changes.
iv) There are individual differences and variations of development.
v) Growth and development are continuous.
vi) Development behaviour is controlled by needs
vii) Development proceeds by different stages.
viii) Developmental changes are inter-related.
ix) These are critical periods in development.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

What are the basic principles of development?

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Chauham, S.S. (1978). Advanced Educational Psychology. New Delhi:

Vikas Publishing House PUT Ltd.

Hurlock, E. B (1980). Developmental Psychology: All Span Approach.

New York: McGraw Hill Book.

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UNIT 3 BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Heredity and Environment
3.2 The Nature – Nurture Controversy
3.3 Conception
3.4 Chromosomal Disorders
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In unit 2, we discussed the basic principles of growth and development.

This unit highlights the biological determinants or basis of human
development. Human beings are biological creatures. Also in this unit
we shall discuss the concepts of heredity and environment and see that
biological heredity and environmental factors contribute to our physical,
psychological, social and intellectual development.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 define the concepts of heredity and environment

 identify terms associated with heredity factors such as genes,
chromosomes, sex cells etc.
 describe biological determinants of human development
 describe the nature – nurture basis of human development
 explain chromosomal abnormalities.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Heredity and Environment

Heredity refers to the biological transmission of traits from parents to

offspring through genes. It also refers to the biological factors which
contribute to the development of the individual through the process of
cell division. The two cell divisions associated with human

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

development are mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is simply “the process in

which a cell duplicates its chromosomes and then divides into two
genetically identical daughter cells”. While meiosis is “the process in
which a germ cell divides, producing gametes (sperm or ova) that each
contain half of the parent cell‟s original complement of chromosomes,
In humans; the products of meiosis contain 23 chromosomes”.

The environmental factors connote all external conditions and influences

that affect the life and development of individual from conception to
death. Heredity per se establishes certain limitations and directions of
growth and environment furnishes the condition which may accelerate
or decelerate the process.

The hereditarian believes that hereditary traits play a dominant role in

human development than the environmental conditions such as
provision of nutrition, health, sanitation etc. The environmentalists also
assert that an adequate environment contribute to development of an
individual‟s potentialities. In this regard, hereditarians stressed that no
matter the amount of environmental conditions provided for an idiot, he
cannot attain to the level of university professor. Along this line, the
combination of heredity and environment (e.g. social, mental, emotional,
physical) contribute handsomely to human development.

3.2 The Nature-Nurture Controversy

The nature – nurture controversy started in the classical Greek era

among, philosophers like Plato and Aristotle (Plato‟s student) John
Locke and others. The areas debated were heredity versus environment,
nature versus nurture, maturation versus learning, innate versus acquired
etc. In the history of psychology, the great debates centered on the
controversy over nature and nurture. This controversy was based on the
two schools of thought – the hereditarians ad the environmentalists.

The hereditarians favoured nature and claimed that all hereditary traits
were transmitted directly through the chromosomes via genes from
generation to generation where environment was of little consequence.
In this case, if your father was a criminal, you will be a criminal; and if
your mother‟s 1Q is only 89, then you shouldn‟t choose a career like
medicine.

On the other hand, the environmentalists claimed that the most

important thing was how an individual was raised or nurtured”, not
based on genetic endowment. The environmentalists insisted that all
people were burn genetically equal and that they differ as a result of
environmental opportunities.

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The modern stand on nature – nurture dimensions emphasized that
behaviour has multiple causes. It is the result of heredity interacting
with environment that can influence human development. Our
hereditary potentialities can be nourished based on the type, amount and
quality of our environmental conditions.

3.3 Conception

Heredity involves a number of genetic mechanisms. These genetic

mechanisms are as follows:

i) Development begins at conception from a parent sex cell which is

formed by the union of a male sperm cell and a female ovum
forming a zygote which contains 46 chromosomes (23 from each
parent). Each sperm and each ovum contain minute structures
called chromosomes. These chromosomes house smaller
hereditary traits known as genes. Each gene (or group of genes)
represents a hereditary factor such as color of eyes, or shape of
nose etc which is transmitted as a unit. Physical traits developed
as the result of the influence of a combination of genes.

Gender is determined by the 23rd pair of chromosomes (ie the sex

chromosomes) the normal females inherited one sex chromosome
(an x chromosomes); from each parent whereas males inherited
an x chromosomes and a smaller Y chromosome. The father
determines the sex of a child not the mother. The father (XY)
can transmit either an X chromosome or a Y chromosome to his
offspring. Identical heredity is present only in twins developed
from the same fertilised ovum.

3.4 Chromosomal Disorders

These are chromosomal disorder brought about as a result of inheritance.

These disorders are associated with the presence of too few or too many
chromosomes. The Down‟s syndrome, klinefelter‟s syndrome, turner‟s
syndrome and the XYY syndrome (super male syndrome) are
chromosomal disorders. Some of these abnormalities can also result
from the uneven meosis of male gametes. The Down syndrome occurred
where a Child inherits extra 21st chromosomes. Children with the
syndrome received their “extra” chromosome from their father rather
than their mothers (Magenis and his associated 1977). The child will be
mentally retarded with a number of distinctive physical features. The
Klinefelter‟s syndrome happened as a result of imbalance in the
distribution of X chromosomes. This implies if a Y chromosome from
sperm cell reaches the ovum first, the Zygote will become a kinefelter

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

male (XXY). Here the males fail to develop secondary sex

characteristics and show deficiencies on tests of verbal ability.

The Turner‟s syndrome occurred when the ovum containing no X

chromosome is fertilized by an X-bearing sperm; the result will be an
XO female (who has Turner‟s syndrome). The female remains small in
stature, and fail to develop secondary sex characteristics. She exhibits
mental deficiency. The “Super male” syndrome (the XYY) resulted
when the child received the extra Y chromosome from the father. The
child is taller than average and tends to score below average on
intelligence tests. The poly – x syndrome occurred when a sex
chromosome abnormality involving females who inherit three X
chromosomes. These females are normal in appearance, remain fertile
and tend to score below average on intelligence tests.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Briefly explain the nature – nurture controversy.

You may expect the following answers among others. The origin of the
nature – nurture controversy was traceable to the classical Greek
philosophers like Plato, Aristotle (Plato‟s student), John Locke among
others. The great debates that focused on the controversy over nature
and nurture made the people to fall into different schools of thought
namely, the hereditarians and the environmentalists of old.

The hereditarians favoured nature and claimed that all hereditary traits
were transmitted through genes from generation to generation where
environment was of little consequence. On the other hand, the
environmentalists insisted that the most important thing was how an
individual was raised or “nurtured” and genetic endowment was of little
consequence. They also acknowledge the fact that all people were born
genetically equal and people differ as a result of environmental
conditions.
The modern stand on nature – nurture controversy emphasized that
human behaviour has multiple causes. In this respect, the interplay
between heredity and environment contribute greatly to human
development.
4.0 CONCLUSION

The human development is a product of heredity and environmental

opportunities. The interaction of genetical or hereditary and
environmental factors under normal circumstances plays a dominant role
in the development of personality and intelligence of an individual.

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5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have learnt that:

i) Heredity and environment contribute to human development

ii) Heredity refers to the biological transmission of psychological
traits from parents to progeny or offspring
iii) Environment from psychological view point refers to the sum
total of the stimuli or external conditions which the individual
can respond from conception to death.
iv) The modern solution to nature – nurture controversy highlighted
that it is the result of heredity interacting with the environment
conditions that favoured human development.
v) Human development begins at conception when a sperm cell
from the male unions with the female ovum to form a zygote.
This process is known as fertilisation as indicated in module 3,
unit I.
vi) The fertilised egg contain 46 chromosomes, 23 from the male and
23 from the female i.e. the normal zygote contains 46
chromosomes (23 from each sex).
vii) The normal females inherited sex chromosome called an X
chromosome from each parent.
The adult female has XX chromosomes only. The males
inherited an X chromosome and Y chromosome. The adult male
has XY chromosomes. The father not the mother determines the
sex of a child.
viii) The chromosomal abnormalities or disorders occasionally
inherited by children are the Down‟s syndrome, Klinefelter‟s
syndrome, Turner‟s syndrome, and the XXY syndrome

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Explain each of the following terms:

a. heredity
b. psychological environment
c. identical heredity
2. List and describe four chromosomal disorders in human
development.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

David, R. Shaffer (1985). A Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. James
W. Vander Zanden (1978). Human Development. New York:
Alfred A. Knopt Inc.

Philip L. Harriman (1968). Hand book of Psychological Terms.

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

UNIT 4 SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Developmental Psychology
3.2 The Observation Method
3.3 The Survey Method
3.4 The Case Study Method
3.5 The Experimental Method
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Psychology is a science as well as an art. In this regard, it requires

scientific methods of investigation using certain research tools. In this
unit, you will be exposed to various methods of studying developmental
psychology. You all know that developmental psychology is a branch
of psychology which is the scientific study of human development and
its changes and behavioural patterns

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 identify and discuss four major scientific methods of studying

developmental psychology with appropriate examples
 discuss some practical applications of these methods in
developmental psychology.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is an inter-disciplinary and multi-

disciplinary field, made of sociology, anthropology and biology.
Human life is a process of continual development. The developmental
changes in human life find expression in physical, intellectual,
personality and social changes. The field of developmental psychology

18
can benefit from developmental research as a result of prevention of
problematic behaviour among the various stages of human development.
In this section, seven prominent research methods employed in the study
of human development are:

i) The observation method

ii) The survey method
iii) The case study method – The chemical care study development
care study – longitudinal progression
iv) The experimental method
v) The observation method

3.2 The Observation Method

The observation method carries out observational studies which yields

significant result on developmental characteristics of children. The
observation method is classified into two namely, maturation
observation method and participant observation method. In maturation
observation the researcher observes the specific behavioural
characteristics of children or adolescents or adults in natural setting. It
enables the researcher to study individuals independently of their ability
to report on themselves while it does not disturb or affect the events
under investigation. The participant observation as a research enables
the researcher to become part and parcel of the group which he wants to
observe. In this case, he establishes rapport with the group of children
or adolescents (even adults) in order that they may not become
conscious of his presence so that they may not hide their actual
behaviour or overt behaviour.

The observation method may have a number of limitations such as the

subjectivity of interpretation and collection of data from overt behaviour
which does not provide reliable information regarding internal mental
process.

3.3 The Survey method

The survey method especially the social survey method employs

interviews (structured / unstructured) and questionnaire for the
determination of incidence and prevalence of given attitudes and
behaviour with identifiable population. For instance, the researcher may
be interested in studying the abnormality and prevalence of drug abuse
among adolescents or to find out the prevalence of certain child-rearing
or maltreatment of widowhood practices and so on.

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

3.4 The Case Study Method

This method focuses upon a single individual rather than a group of
subjects of different ages within behavioural problems. The case study
method is used in baby biographies and in clinical approaches involving
maladaptive children and adults. The case study method is categorized
into the clinical case study or case history and developmental case study.
The clinical case study is designed to gather information and present
condition of the subjects. In clinical case study information is
specifically collected from the following sources: biodata, past history
such as the state of mother during pregnancy, relation between children
and parents of the family and so on; and present condition may derive
information from physical, mental, and social -emotional of child‟s
development after birth.

The developmental case study or genetic method uses two approaches to

collect the data viz:- longitudinal approach and cross-sectional approach.
The longitudinal approach is employed by the researcher for studying
human development in order to compare the same individuals at
different intervals between birth and maturity or at any specific age
bracket. The researcher observes their developmental characteristics
regularly from year to year. This approach is used to study physical,
mental, language, emotional and social developmental characteristics of
children, It also allows researchers to plot individual growth curves in
such areas as language, motor and cognitive development.

The cross-sectional approach compares different groups of individual of

varying age cohort to specific aspect of developmental stages.

3.5 The Experimental Method

The method offers cause and effect relationships. It is a study in which

the researcher manipulates one or more variables known as independent
variables and measures other variables termed dependent variables
(Mills, 1969). The independent variable is assigned to be the causal
factor in the variables being studied while the dependent variable is
usually some measure after subjects‟ behaviour (Zanden, 1978). The
experimental method uses a systematic procedure called experimental
design. It provides guidelines to the researcher to carry out his research
sequentially. The experimental design is made up of the experimental
group and control group for the purpose of testing hypotheses. The
control group is associated with the experimental group except that the
researcher did not introduce change into it. The control group provides a
mental standard against which the changes in the experimental group
can be measured. For instance undergraduate class students talk noisily
when the lecturer is out of the room but become quiet when the lecturer

20
enters; the change in the level of lecture room noise is the dependent
variable and its cause by the lecturer‟s presence is the independent
variables.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Distinguish between longitudinal method and cross-sectional method.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The methods of studying developmental psychology research involve

the applications of the observation, survey, case study, and the
experimental methods.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have learnt that:

i. The research methods employed in the study of Developmental

Psychology include the observation, the survey, the case study,
and the experimental methods.
ii. The observation method yields important result on developmental
characteristic of the child. This method is classified into two
namely observation method (which concentrates on the specific
behavioural characteristics of Childhood, Adolescent hood and
Adulthood stages) and participant observation (where the
researcher becomes part and parcel of the group which he wants
to observe).
iii. The survey method focuses or the study of incidence and
prevalence of given attitudinal behaviour within identifiable
period.
iv. The case study focuses after single individual behavioural
problems. The case study is categorized into the clinical case
study or case history and developmental case study which are
subdivided into longitudinal approach and cross sectional
approach.
v. The experimental method offers course and effect relationship
through researcher‟s manipulation of dependent and independent
variables. It uses the experimental design and control group.

ANSWER TO SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

The longitudinal method undertakes continuous testing or measurement

of subjects in individuals while the cross – sectional method compares
varying groups of individuals of different age cohort.

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Identify and explain two research methods of studying developmental

psychology as a discipline with appropriate examples.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Chauham, S.S (2000). Advanced Educational Psychology. New Delhi:

Vikas Publishing House PUT. Ltd.

Shaffer, David R. (1985). Developmental Psychology. Theory, Research

and Applications. California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Zandan, James W. Vander (1978). Human Development.

22
MODULE 2 MAJOR THEORIES OF HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT

Unit 1 Sigmund Freudian Theory of Psycho-sexual Development

Unit 2 Behaviouristic Learning Theories of Development
Unit 3 Psychosocial Theory of Erick Erikson
Unit 4 Cognitive Theory of Human Development. The Cognitive
Development View

UNIT 1 SIGMUND FREUDIAN THEORY OF PSYCHO-

SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Psycho Sexual Stages of Development
3.2 The Oral Stage
3.3 The Anal Stage
3.4 The Phallic Stage
3.5 The Latency Stage
3.6 Genital Stage
3.7 Ego Defense Mechanism
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The stage concept of human development implies that human

development is divided into step like levels with clear-cut changes in
behaviour occurring from one stage to the next. The stage concept of
human development should be compared to the process of inset
metamorphosis.

In this Unit, we will learn the theory of psychosexual development

named after Sigmund Freud. The Unit also serves to introduce to us
other major stage theories in Human Development (Psychosocial theory
of Erik Erickson and cognitive development theory of Jean Piaget).
These theories as guide to action will help us to observe and describe,
explain, predict and influence the major stages of human development.
The contents of psychosexual development theory of Sigmund Freud in
this unit should specify the objectives below:

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PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 identify and describe briefly the stages of psychosexual

development
 outline and explain Freudian theory of personality structures
 list and explain at least two ego defense mechanisms.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Psychosexual Stages of Development

Sigmund Freud postulated that a child passes through five major

progressive stages of psychosexual development namely: oral, anal,
phallic, latency and genital. Each stage is characterized by certain
developmental and behaviour changes. Further, each stage possesses for
children a unique conflict that they must resolve before they pass on to
the next stage. According to Robert, Poulos and Marnur (1977)
individuals may become so addicted to the pleasure of a given stage that
they are unwilling to move on to later stage. This also may be as the
process of stagnation which individuals experience including fixation as
a result of frustration or overindulgence. Fixation in the view of Zanden
(1978) is the tendency to stay at a particular stage to be troubled by the
conflict of the stage and to reduce tension by means of the behaviour
characteristic of that stage.

3.2 The Oral Stage of Psychosexual Development (Birth to

18 months)

For Freud, the oral stage of infancy is a critical period in personality

formation. The centers of pleasurable body movements are the mouth,
lips and tongue. The child regards sucking his mothers breast as the
most pleasurable activity. But conflict ensures when the source of love
or pleasure is terminated i.e. the breast feeding. The child at this stage is
self-centered and pre-occupied with his own needs. He also experiences
common problems associated with fixation as dependent personality
with unnecessary demand for mothering, oral aggressive, and excessive
oral behaviours such as the compulsive eating, nail biting etc.

3.3 Anal Stage (18 months to 3 years)

This stage refers to the stage when the focus of pleasurable body zone
shifts from mouth to anus, rectum and bladder. The child takes most
pleasurable activities in urinating and defecating. The source of conflict

24
results in toilet training by the mother. The child develops ambivalent
attitudes as a result of parent‟s interference with his activities. The child
also resolves conflict between his need for parental love and his need for
instinctual gratification through the development of life long attitudes
toward cleanliness, submissiveness, orderliness, punctuality etc. The
problems alongside with fixation are hostile and challenging personality
accompanied with adherence to rules, regulations, neatness and
orderliness.

3.4 The Phillic Stage

This stage refers to approximately the age of three to six. The focus of
pleasurable body zone shifts from anus to the genitals (the sexual
organs). The child‟s pleasurable body activity results to masturbation.
Another important development at this stage are the Oedipus complex
and Elektra complex.

The Oedipus complex implies that the male child feels sexual love for
the mother and perceives his father as hostile rivalry which leads him to
fear punishment through “castration by the father and eventually called
castration anxiety”. This conflict is resolved by identifying with his
father and repressing his desire for his mother. In female child, Elektra
complex occurs where she feels sexual love for the father and hates her
mother. This leads her to conclude that she has been castrated and
otherwise feels inferior that finds expression in female, “penis envy”. In
this regard, the problems expressed in this stage for both male and
female children are sexual problems in adulthood (impotence or
frigidity) homosexuality and failure to handle competitive relationships.

3.5 The Latency Stage (Age of 6 to 12 years)

While anal and phallic stages correspond to pre-primary school years,

the latency stage corresponds to the primary school years in which
children suppress most of their infantile sexual feelings or sexuality and
become interested in games and sports. Further, the boys associate with
their fellow boys and girls and engage themselves in learning skills and
values etc.
3.6 Genital Stage (12 to 18years)
This stage corresponds to part of senior primary school and junior
secondary schools.
In this stage, the focus of pleasurable activity shifts to the members of
the opposite sex. Both boys and girls experience romantic and emotional
feelings. At this stage, Sigmund Freud postulated that human behaviour
is determined by id, ego and superego personality functions. He
identified the nature of anxiety as conflicts among „id‟ – impulses;

25
PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

superego, demands and ego defenses. Id is that part of mind controlled

by the pleasure principle and will. Id impulses clash with person‟s need
to adapt to society. As a child grows he develops the ego and superego.
The ego as the conscious part of the mind acts as a mediator between an
individual‟s instinctive id, impulse and external reality. As his ego
develops, the child learns to make compromises between his internal
urges and parental and societal controls. The superego is regarded as
conscience part of the mind that helps children, adolescents and adults to
develop a moral code and ideal behaviour. The ego and superego
develop as parts of the personality as the child goes through
psychosexual growth stages. In the course of a child‟s development, the
id, the ego and the superego do not appear simultaneously. The id is
already present at birth. The ego develops as the infants satisfy his needs
with the interaction with the environment. Later years the superego
develops as the custody of the rules and values of environment.

Freud identifies several defense mechanisms which children,

adolescents and adults use to excuse their difficulties or shortcoming
and failure.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1

1. Explain the stage concept of development

2. List five stage of Freudian theory of Psychosexual Development
and describe any one of them with appropriate examples.

You may wish to add more to the brief answer

i). The stage concept of development means that development is

divided into step like levels with clear-cut changes in behaviour
occurring from one stage to the next.
ii). The five Freudian Psychosexual stages of development are the
oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latency and gential stage.
The Latency stage corresponds to the primary school years. At
this stage, children suppress most of their infantile sexuality.
They also become interested in games and sports. This stage
encourages the formation of peer group. Both sexes engage
themselves in learning skills and development of values.

3.7 Ego Defense Mechanisms

Ego operates on reality principle. According to Freudian theory, ego

defense mechanisms are activated when an individual confront serious
anxiety and emotional conflict. They are mental devices used by
individuals to protect themselves from distortion of reality. The most
common defense mechanisms are projection, reaction formation,

26
rationalization, displacement, repression, denial, sublimation and
regression. These defense mechanisms are used to protect the ego
children develop as part of personality development.

Projection defense mechanism occurs as an individual ascribes his

unacceptable behaviour to others, to justify self defense. Reaction
formation implies that an individual protects himself against recognizing
aspect of his personality that he would find unacceptable by developing
the opposite behaviour. For rationalization, an individual exhibits a
convincing reason for doing something unacceptable. Displacement
implies that the aggression tendency is redirected to a person. In
repression an individual exhibits unacceptable impulse driven from
conscious feelings of anxiety and guilt. Denial or regression occurs
when an individual protects himself from unpleasant reality by not
perceiving its existence; while sublimation, denotes where unacceptable
drives are channeled into socially acceptable or creative activities.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 2

1. Identify and briefly explain three Freudian personality structures

2. List five ego defense mechanisms and describe any of them.

You may include the following answers in addition

The three Freudian personality structures are „id‟, ego and superego. The
id operates on pleasure principle and while the ego works on the reality
principle. The superego operates on moral principle. The infant for
instance has no knowledge of good or bad. Ego is the moderator of id
and superego demand. For example, the behaviour of older children and
adolescents is a result of the conflict of the id which insists on
immediate satisfaction of wishes and the superego which insists the
youth respect a set of moral values and standard.

The five ego defense mechanisms are Projection, Reaction Formation,

rationalization, displacement and sublimation.etc.

In sublimation, the unacceptable drives are channeled into socially

acceptable or creative activities. This implies that sublimation,
unacceptable behaviour is repressed and becomes a socially acceptable
manner. For instance if parent-child relationship are cooperative,
children express their impulses in acceptable and satisfying ways.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The Freudian stage theory of psychosexual development emphasize on

progressive stages of child‟s development as he experienced

27
PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

psychosexual conflicts‟ which are resolved through ego defense

mechanism.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have learnt that:

i. the major progressive stages of psychosexual development of

human beings
ii. the psychosexual conflicts of children are protected by ego
defense mechanisms

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

List and describe five major stages of psychosexual development.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Baller W. Rand Charles Don.C (1968). The Psychology of Human

Growth and Development. New York: Holt Rinehart and
Winston, Inc.

Thomas R. M. (1992). Comparing Theories of Child Development.

California: Wadswoth Publishing Company.

28
UNIT 4 COGNITIVE THEORY OF HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT. THE COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT VIEW

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Basic Concepts in Jean Piaget‟s Cognitive Development
3.2 Piagetian Stages of Cognitive or Intellectual Development
3.2.1 Sensorimotor Stage
3.2.2 Pre-operational Stage
3.2.3 Concrete Operational Stage
3.2.4 Formal Operational Stage
3.3 Implications for Human Development – Contribution and
Criticism of Jean Piaget‟s Cognitive Development Theory
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In units, 1, 2, and 3 of Module 2, we have learnt four major theories of

human development, the Freudian psychosexual stages of human
development; the psychosocial stages of development by Erik Erickson;
and learning theories. The Sigmund Freud, Erik Erickson and Jean
Piaget among others see development as separated into stages. They are
known as major stage theorists of human development. The stage
concept implies that development occurs in step like fashion with clear –
cut changes in behaviour which consistently involves one stage to the
next.

In this unit, you will learn a giant of 20th century psychology known as
Jean Piaget who focused on the occurrence of changes in the child‟s
mode of thought which gave rise to Piaget‟s cognitive stages of
development. Jean Piaget believes that cognitive development involves
the interaction of heredity and environmental experiences. This unit will
briefly discuss Jean Piaget‟s cognitive stages of human development.

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 explain certain concepts in the cognitive stages in Development

of Piaget. (Shemas, assimilation, accommodation, equilibrium
etc).
 describe Piagetian cognitive stages of human development.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Basic Concepts in Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive

Development.

Piaget assumes that intelligence is made up of two divisions namely

functional invariants and structure. The functional invariants are of two
types known as organization and adaptation. He further grouped
adaptation into two processes namely accommodation and assimilation.
The next word Piaget used is schemas (singular schemata). Piaget
believes that intelligence works through the terms mentioned. Basically
organisation and adaptation are inborn intellectual functions of cognitive
structures. Organisation is “the process by which a child combines
existing schema into new and more complex intellectual structures” or
bodies of knowledge (Shaffer, 1985). A schema is a logically organized
pattern of thought or action that one constructs to interpret some aspect
of one‟s experiences.

Piaget believes that a child is born with a number of reflection schemata.

Piaget (1977) described three kinds of intellectual or cognitive structures
as behavioural schemata, symbolic schemata and operational schemata.
The behaviour schemata are organized patterns of behaviour that are
used to represent and respond to objects and experiences (Shaffer, 1985,
Zanden, 1978, and Gardner, 1978). The symbolic schemata imply that
the child is capable of representing actions mentally to satisfy his/her
objectives. The internal mental symbols (images or verbal codes) are
used to help child to represent aspects of experience.

The operational schemata imply that a child performs on his or her

objects of thought through a cognitive operation that include mental
activities such as actions implied in mathematical symbols.

The goal of organisation is to advance the adaptive function. Adaptation

is the aspect of intelligence which organizes the interaction between the
individual and environment. It is a process of adjusting to the demands
of the environment. Adaptation also occurs when the process of
assimilation and accommodation are balanced. According to Piaget,

30
adaptation occurs through two complementary activities of assimilation
and accommodation.

Assimilation is the psychological process by which the child

understands the new information or interprets new experiences in
relation to the existing scheme which is integrated into cognitive
structures – assimilation. Piaget believes that as we assimilate new
experiences, we will also accommodate such experiences.
Accommodation as cognitive structure and complement of assimilation
is the process of modifying existing schemas (old schemas) or structures
in order to account for new experiences (or new schemas). Every
assimilation of schemata involves an accommodation to that schema
(mental model) or experience. Everyday children are repeatedly
assimilating new schemata and accommodating their cognitive structure
to those experiences.

The total process of assimilation and accommodation for maintaining

intellectual balance at all age levels in Piagetian theory of cognitive
development is called equilibration. According to Piaget, cognitive
development is marked by altering states of equilibrium and
disequilibrium.

3.2 Piagetian Stages of Cognitive or Intellectual

Development

Piaget asserts that intelligence unfolds in four distinct stages or periods

between early childhood and adolescence namely:

a. The sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years)

b. The preoperational stage (2 to 7 years),
c. The stage of concrete operations (7 to 11 years) and
d. The stage of formal operations (11 years to 21 years)

3.2.1 Sensorimotor Stage

The sensorimotor stage maintained that children are relying on

behavioural schemata as a means of exploring and understanding the
environment. Sensorimotor child is characterized by sense of perception
and vocalization. At the preoperational stage, the child is thinking at a
symbolic level but the logical thoughts are not yet, developed. Piaget
divided this stage or period into the pre-conceptual stage or pre-logical
stage which lies between two to four years and the intuitive reasoning
stage or the perceptional operation stage from four to seven years. In
our review of this level of pre-operation thought, we need to understand
what Piaget meant by operations. Operations, in Piaget‟s system, are
ways of manipulating objects in relation to each other. These

31
 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

manipulations of objects may be according to size or colour etc. The

manipulations of objects can be concrete operations (Physical
manipulation) or formal operations (mental manipulation). The Pre-
conceptual child (2 to about 4) is characterized by egocentric use of
language and heavy dependence on perception in problem solving
(Thomas 1992). Here the child‟s talk is social communication i.e asking
parents to reach a toy he cannot get or telling mother he wants to go to
the toilet etc. The child also increases the use of symbols with causal
relationships and develops conservative concepts. Piaget at this stage
identified logical mathematical experience as another interactive
experience with the physical world.

3.2.2 Pre-Operational Stage

The intuitive period or stage of pre-operational (from age 4 to age 7) is

marked by more social or communicative speech and greater
dependence or intuitive thinking rather than just on perception. This
stage marks the movement toward greater decent ration. The child is
able to see more than one factor at a time that influences an event
(Piaget, 1969). The mental activities which are necessary for schooling
begin to develop various kinds of conservation as quantity, length,
number etc and by appearance; density and seriate objects in order and
size starting with the smallest to the largest etc.

3.2.3 Concrete Operational Stage

The next stage of Piagetian cognitive development is the concrete

operational stage (about 7 years to 12 years). The concrete operations
stage emphasized the children capability of performing operations that
are directly related to objects. Children can now conserve, classify,
seriate, decentre, accommodate and participate in the most of the things
required of them at school. Piaget noted that one of most significant
characteristics of cognitive activity at the concrete operations stage
(Grinder 1978) children‟s achievement in number, mass, weight and so
on. Children at this stage increase in knowledge and skills and decrease
in egocentrism or self-centredness.

3.2.4 Formal Operational Stage

Finally the next stage of Piaget‟s cognitive development is the formal

operations stage (about age 11 to age 15 plus). This stage according to
Jean Piaget is the cognitive development in adolescents and relationship
with other developmental and cultural phenomena.

The term formal is used by Piaget because adolescence at this level of

thinking possesses the ability to consider the possible, and therefore, is

32
able to reason about the form of an argument apart from its contents
(Manaster, 1977).

The formal operational child will manipulate relations between relations

to work with proportion, correlations and probability. Here the child
becomes capable of logical thinking with abstractions. He /she acquires
higher order operations which imply applying abstract concepts and
hypothetical events to his / her problems. Basically the adolescents can
accept assumptions, hypothesis and laws for problem solving.

Manaster emphasized that the adolescent at this stage makes use of the
hypothetico – deductive method of reasoning indicating “formal thought
begins with a theoretical synthesis. This implies that certain relations
are necessary and thus proceeds in the opposite direction.

3.3 Implications for Human Development – Contribution

and Criticism of Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development
Theory

The Piagetian theory of cognitive development has a lot implication for

teacher–interns and professional teachers” in the field. The teacher
should apply the step like arrangement of the theory to provide effective
teaching and learning.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Explain the following key concepts in Piaget‟s theory of cognitive

development:-

a. Organisation
b. Adaptation
c. Accommodation
d. Assimilation
e. Schema

You may include the following answers accordingly:

In Piaget‟s cognitive development theory, organisation is the process by

which a child combines existing schema into new and more complex
cognitive structures or bodies of knowledge. Organisation within the
child‟s innate tendency ensures that all schemas are properly interrelated
and adjusted to each other to form an integrated self.

In Piaget‟s theory, adaptation as aspect of cognitive structures is the

interaction between the individual and the demands of his/her
environment. It also occurs when the process of assimilation and

33
 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

accommodation are balance. According to Piaget, adaptation occurs

through two complementary activities of assimilation and
accommodation respectively.

Assimilation is the psychological process by which the child

understands the new information or interprets new experiences in
relation to the existing held schema (mental model) of the world. Piaget
believes that as we assimilate new experiences (new information), we
will also accommodate these experiences.

In Piagetian cognitive development theory, accommodation as cognitive

structure and complement of assimilation in the process of modifying
existing schemas (old schemas) or structures in order to match new
schemas or new experiences to the world of reality. Every child is
repeatedly assimilating new schema and accommodating his cognitive
structures to these experiences.

Schemata are a central concept in Piagetian theory. The schemata are

the cognitive structure that a child evolves for dealing with specific
kinds of situation in his /her environment. It is logically organized
thought or action that a child constructs to interpret some aspects of
his/her experiences. Piaget believes that a child is born with a number of
reflective schemata. She identified three kinds of intellectual or
cognitive structures as behavioural schemata; Symbolic schemata and
operational schemata.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Piaget believes that intellectual growth proceeds through step like stages
which determines maturational readiness.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have learnt that:

i) Piaget‟s work concentrated on the cognitive stages in

development.
ii) He describes children as active that explores knowledge
(schemata) and modify these cognitive structures through the
processes of organization and adaptation.
iii) Schema is an organized pattern of thought or action that the child
constructs to interpret his/her experiences or cognitive structure
iv) Organization is the process by a child rearranges his existing
knowledge into schemata.
v) Adaptation comprises of two complementary activities namely
assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation in Piaget‟s theory

34
 is the process by which the child attempts to match new
experiences to existing schemata (old schemata).
Accommodation implies the process of modifying existing
schemata in response to new experiences or schemata.
vi) Equilibrium in Piagetian theory is a balance between the
processes of assimilation and accommodation.
vii) The key concepts of Piaget‟s theory are schemata, assimilation,
accommodation and equilibrium and they find expression in the
four developmental stages of Piagetian theory. The sensorimotor
stage, the preoperational stage (the pre-logical stage and intuitive
operation stage); the concrete operational stage and the formal
operational stage. The sensorimotor stage (0 – 2 years)
maintained that children are relying on behavioural schemata as a
means of exploring and understanding the environment.

The preoperational stage (2-4 years) involves the child‟s thinking at

symbolic levels. It is subdivided into pre-conceptual stage (pre-logic
stage 2 – 4yrs) and the intuitive reasoning stage (4 to 7yrs). The pre-
conceptual child is characterized by egocentric use of language and
heavy dependence or perception in solving problems. The intuitive
stage is marked by more social or communicative speech and intuitive
thinking or reasoning‟ and greater decent ration.

The concrete operational stage (7 to 12 yrs plus) is marked by

manipulation of objects. Children at this stage can conserve, classify,
seriate, decentre, accommodate and participate fully in most of the
activities in primary schools.

The formal operations stage (12 to age 15 plus)is also marked with
logical thinking with abstractions among adolescents. The adolescent
makes use of the hypothetico- deductive methods of reasoning. He / she
can accept assumption, hypothesis and laws of problem solving.
(ix) The Piagetian theory of cognitive development has a lot of
implications to the teacher interns and teachers in the school system
whether pre-primary, primary and secondary schools.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

List and describe Piagetian stages of cognitive development theory.

35
 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Shaffer, R. David (1985). Developmental Psychology Theory, Research

and Applications. California Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Gardner, H. (1978). Developmental Psychology: An Introduction.

Boston: Little, Brown and Company.

Thomas, R. Murray (1968). Comparing Theories of Child Development.

(3rd ed.). California: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Piaget, J. and Inhelder, B. (1969). The Psychology of the Child. New

York: Basic Books.

36
MODULE 3 PHASES/STAGE OF HUMAN GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT (THE LIFE SPAN)

Unit 1 Prenatal Development

Unit 2 Neonatal Development/Infancy
Unit 3 The Concept and Nature of Childhood Development 1
Unit 4 Adolescence Stage
Unit 5 Adulthood Development

UNIT 1 PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Biological Determinants of Human Development
3.2 Prenatal Development
3.3 Stages of Prenatal Development
3.4 Factors Affecting Prenatal Development
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Growth and development are the result of interaction of the influences

of genetical and environmental factors, maturation and learning. These
aspects of human development cannot be understood without the
knowledge of biological processes. In general there are five stages of
human growth and development. These stages are prenatal, neonatal,
childhood, and adulthood adolescence, in this unit therefore we shall
discuss the prenatal development stage of life span.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 discuss biological aspects of human development

 identify and describe three stages or phases of prenatal
development
 describe at least two factors affecting prenatal development.

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Biological Determinants of Human Development

The foundation of life starts from conception with the union of a male
sex cell. (Spermatozoon) and ovum, the female sex cell to from zygote
(the fertilised ovum) this process is called fertilisation. The sex
determination occurs at the time of conception; sex depends on the type
of a male (gamete) sex gamete cell (spermatozoon) that unites with a
female gamete sex cell (ovum). The spermatozoa and ova are alike and
carry equal numbers. They contain chromosomes. Chromosomes are the
hereditary materials of life or genetic materials. The chromosomes carry
genes, which determine heredity or inheritance. The chromosome also
determines the sex of the child xx. The mature ovum contains 22
matched chromosomes and one unmatched which may be an x or a y
chromosome the x and y chromosomes are sex determining
chromosomes.

For example, we have the following offspring from two parents

(Bok and Musa).

1 Human beings normally passes 46 chromosomes, 22 pair are

similar in size and shape in men and women. The 23rd pair, is the
sex chromosome in males.
2 Women have two chromosomes (xx) and men have an x and y
chromosome (xy). Provided that if the spermatozoon with x
chromosome unites with ovum (egg)

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1

1. Explain the following terms:

a) Genetics
b) Chromosomes
c) Genes
d) Fertilization
e) Sex determination.

2. Expected answers are as follows:

i) Genetics is the scientific study of biological inheritance

ii) Chromosomes are the hereditary materials\ factors\ characters\
found in the nuclei of male and female sex cells.
iii) Fertilization is the union of a spermatozoon and ovum, to zygote.

38
iv) Genes are the units, that determine male gamete inherited
characteristics (colour, size, height etc) located in the
chromosomes; female ovum (fertilized egg)
v) Sex determination is based on what produces new individual after
fertilization. If the male spermatozoon with an x chromosomes
fertilizes the ovum with an x chromosome the result is a female
child (xx). Further, if the sperm with y chromosome fertilizes x,
the result is a male child.

3.2 Prenatal Development

The prenatal period begins as conception and lasts as birth with

approximately “270 to 280 days” in length or nine calendar months
(Hurlock, 1978).

The whole process of prenatal development involves three main stages

viz.
i) The period of the zygote development (the germinal period)
ii) The period of the Embryo development (the embryonic period)
and
iii) The period of the fetus (the fetal period)

3.3 Stages of Prenatal Development

The Zygotic Period (the Germinal Period)

This zygotic period extends from fertilization to the end of the second
week. The zygotic period is characterized by the growth of the zygote
with an initial linkage between the zygote and the support system of the
mother. This is the period of rapid growth as a result of increase in cells.
The zygote is unplanted in the uterine wall after fertilization.

Embryonic Period

The embryonic period lasts from the end of the second week to the end
of the eight weeks. The period is characterized by rapid growth as the
developing organism emerges as recognized human fetus. It also
established the placental relationship with the mother.

Furthermore, during this period, the main organs like the arms, legs and
the internal organs like the kidney, liver, lungs etc. the face, mouth, ears
start to be defined better in the 8th and 9th weeks, a recognizable human
body ensued.

The period of the embryo is therefore a period of rapid development of

the nervous system. The embryo is attached to the wall of the uterus by
means of the placenta, which functions as a roof, which permits the

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

entry of food materials, oxygen and hormones and removal of carbon

dioxide and metabolic wastes. The cephalocandial and proximodistal
development occur at this period.

Foetal or Fetal Period

The fetal period is the final stage in prenatal life which beings with the
ninth weeks and ends with birth. This implies that the growing organism
is called the foetus. During this period the differentiation of these major
organs continues, and the organs themselves become capable of
assuming their specialized functions (Arey, 1974). At the eighth week,
the internal and external organs developed and the organism now
resembles a human being.

3.4 Factors Affecting Prenatal Development

Some identifiable factors affecting the child especially of the prenatal

development from fertilization to birth according to Akinboye et al
(1982) include;

- Malnutrition and age of mother; drug usage, maternal illness,

effect of Rh and other blood factors, maternal emotional state etc.
The maternal nutrition should be of high quality for the survival
of the pregnant mother because the foetus depends directly on its
mother for food supply through the placenta and umbilical cord.
Equally the mother‟s emotional state changes from one
pregnancy to another which depends in the age of the mother.

In addition, the Rhesus factor (Rh factor) is one of the causes of the
mental subnormility as a result of incompatibility of mother‟s is blood
(rhesus negative) and her foetus is periodic. This incompatibility of
blood may lead to damage of its blood, or brain etc.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 2

List five prenatal environmental factors affecting human development

and discuss any of their conclusions.

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit, you have learnt the biological determinants of human

development especially in terms of how life beings and sex
determination. You have also learnt the stages of prenatal development.
For example, as we have discussed zygotic embryonic and fetal stages.
You have therefore learnt the factors affecting prenatal environmental

40
factors such as malnutrition and age of mother, drug usage and its effect,
Rh factors, emotional state and so on.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have learnt that:

i) Growth and Development are a result of the interaction of

heredity, environment, maturation and learning.
ii) The biological basis of human development.
iii) Prenatal development as the first stage of human development
which involves three main stages\ processes such as the germinal
embryonic and fetal periods. It is approximately nine calendar
months or 250 days.
iv) Certain factors affect these stages or periods of prenatal
development like malnutrition and age of mother, drug usage,
effect of Rh factor, internal emotional state and so on.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Briefly explain Sex determination in prenatal development.

2. Explain two factors that affect prenatal development

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Durojaiye, M.O.A. (1976). A New Introduction to Educational

Psychology. London: Evans.

Hurlock, E.B. (1972). Child Development. London: McGraw-Hill

Kogakusha Ltd.

Hurlock, E.B (1978). Developmental Theory. New York: McGraw Hill

Kogakasha Ltd.

Kaluger, G. and Kaluger, N.f. (1974). Human Development: The Span of

Life. U.S.A: the C.U.N by Company.

Oladele, J.O. (1987). Fundamentals of Psychological Foundations of

Education. Lagos: Johns-had Publisher.
Refer to EDU 211- Educational Psychology

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

UNIT 2 NEONATAL DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Neonate Development
3.2 Characteristics of Neonate Development
3.3 Physical Motor Development
3.4 Perception Development
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In Unit 1, we have discussed the prenatal development as one of the

stages of growth and development. But Unit 2 deals with the second
stage of child development known as the neonatal development
commonly called infancy. The newborn child is known as neonate
during the period of 0 to 2 years. In this stage emphasize will be on the
physical, physiological and motor development at infancy.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 define neonate development/infancy

 describe the physical and motor development of infancy
 identify the major characteristics of infancy.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Neonate Development

Explanation of Neonate Development: Neonate development or infancy

is a period of postnatal. An infant is a child in the first period of life
from zero to two to three years. It is the shortest period of all
developmental stages or periods. The infant or the period of the neonate
occurs from the cutting of the umbilical cord to the end of the second
week of postnatal life. An infant is a child that must adjust to the new
environment outside the mother‟s body. Growth is still very rapid
during this period.

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3.2 Characteristics of Neonate Development

This stage is characterized by rapid growth and development. The

survival of the child depends on physiological, social, psychological,
digestive and physical adjustments that must be made at this stage of
development. Physiologically, the child‟s survival depends on the
adjustment of outside the womb body in terms of breathing in and
breathing out of oxygen. Psychologically the result of complaints during
birth is completed when the infant beings to show signs of development
progress in behavior (Hurlock,1972); the digestive adjustment of the
child boarders on proper feeding and elimination of excretory waste
products in order to determine the amount of sleep and comfort of the
child. This feeding, sleeping and crying are process of adjustment of the
child which determines developmental changes in size, weight and
structure of the infant.

This stage is also characterized by stoppage or half in growth and

developmental environment. This is a period of plateau in development.

3.3 Physical and Motor Development

In this unit, we have learnt that physiological changes that occur

between conception and prenatal life. The infant growth and
development follow two patterns basically cephalocandal and
proximodistal principle. After birth, there are manifestations of physical
and motor development.

Physical development refers to developmental changes in size, height,

weight and strength of various parts of the body. It is also depends on
the ability of the infant to control and coordinate the movements of the
head, trunk and leg muscles. Motor development is closely related. The
infant‟s is physical growth takes place in generally orderly fashion with
predictable changes occurring at different age levels. The motor
development follows the cephalocandal law. The infant‟s motor
development depends upon the overall physical growth.

Precisely, the levels of skeletal and muscular development enable the

infant to craw, walk, climb and grip objects. The infant also gain
mastery over his head followed by his trunk and leg muscles. The
infant‟s development of manual skills proceeds through the
proximodistal law. Not all body system grow at the same rate, for
example, the skeletal and internal organ system show growth spurts, one
in entry infancy and the other at adolescence. Infancy and adolescence
are marked acceleration of growth called the infant growth spurt or the
adolescence growth spurt. Apart from physical and motor development

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in infant experiences perceptual development. The infant experiences a

pattern sequence of changes the focusing and organizing visual events.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Explain the concept of neonatal development.

2. List and explain two characteristics of infancy or neonatal
development.

4.0 CONCLUSION

In the unit, you have learnt the concept of neonatal development as

another critical period in child development. The period of infancy
emphasizes the physical and motor development.

5.0 SUMMARY

In unit 2 of Module 3, we have learnt that:

i) The neonate means a newborn.

ii) The neonate period or infancy is the first two weeks following
birth.
iii) The neonate development or infancy occurs from the cutting of
umbilical cord to the end of the second week of postnatal life.
iv) Infancy is characterized by rapid growth and development
accompanied with physical, physiological, social, digestive and
physiological adjustments.
v) The physical and motor development of infants follow
cephalocaudal and proximodistal laws.
vi) The infant experiences perceptual development in terms of
sequential changes in focusing and organizing visual events.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Briefly describe physical and motor development of the period of

infancy.

44
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Baller W.R and Charles, Don. C. (1968). The Psychology of Human

Growth and Development. New York: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston, INC.

Blair, G.M.; Jones, R.S. & Simpson, R.H. (1982). Educational

Psychology (2nd ed.). New York: Macmiller Company. Hurlock
E.B. (1978). Developmental Psychology (5th ed.). New Delhi:
Tata McGraw- Hill Publishing, Ltd.

Hurlock, E.B (1942). Child Development New Delhi: McGraw-Hill

Kogakusha Ltd.

Stones, E. (1976). An Introduction to Educational Psychology. London:

Harp & Row Publishers.

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

UNIT 3 THE CONCEPT AND NATURE OF

CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Concept and Nature of Childhood Development
3.2 Early Childhood
3.3 Developmental Tasks
3.4 Developmental Tasks in Infancy and Early Childhood
3.5 Middle Childhood
3.6 Developmental Tasks of Middle Childhood
3.7 The Period of Late Childhood
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In units 1 and 2, we discussed the prenatal and neonatal (infancy)

development. You can now explain the developmental changes in
prenatal and neonatal stages. You are about to study another interesting
stage of human development known as childhood development.
However some psychologists classified childhood into early, middle and
late childhood, others grouped childhood into early and late childhood
while some regarded baby-hood as part of childhood. Basically this
stage comes after infancy or neonatal development.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 explain the concept of childhood

 describe the physical, perceptual language, mental, social and
emotional development of early childhood
 list and explain developmental tasks of infancy and early
childhood stage.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 The Concept and Nature of Childhood

Childhood starts after infancy at the age approximately two years and
extends to the age of five or six years. Childhood is divided into three
separated periods namely early, middle and late childhood. Early
childhood falls within the age bracket of 2 to 5 years. The middle
childhood extends from approximately 6 years to 8 years and late
childhood extends from approximately 9 years to 11 years plus. Some
psychologists talk about early childhood or baby hood and vice versa
while others omitted it completely. In this case childhood is divided into
early and late childhood. In this unit, therefore we shall follow the three
sub-stages of childhood. These sub-stages of childhood extend from 2 to
11 years and this age cohort covers pre-primary education to primary
education according to Nigerian National Policy on Education currently
revised in 2004. Often, this happens when the child beings junior
secondary school (9 to 11 years) based on socioeconomic status and
educational attainment of some parents. However, adequate attention
should be paid to these categories of childhood. Since nursery and
primary education are the bedrock of the educational system.

3.2 Early Childhood

Early childhood is the first stage of childhood development. It extends

from 2 years to 5 years or approximately 6 years. Whereas the infancy
falls within the Piaget‟s sensori motor period of intellectual development
where the infant learns and develops motor skill by manipulating objects
around him. The early childhood extends to piagetian second stage of
intellectual development from two to 7 years called pre-operational
when the child begins to acquire vocabulary and he can use the language
within his environment completely, play and skip about.

Physically, the early childhood is most rapid in growth as that

experienced in infancy. There are qualitative changes in size, height and
body proportions of changes in proportion are also an adult apparent in
cognitive development. The child is self-centered and concerned with
objects of play or trip. But he becomes interested in other children.

At this stage, improvement is made in the aspect of perceptual

development. In this regard the child develops a variety of motor skills
because he enjoys the repetition of learning skills such as self- feeding,
playing, jumping and so on. The child develops perception of size,
shape, colour and time etc.

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In terms of language development, the enabling environment and early

childhood training help the development of vocabulary.
Psychologists conducted some studies and concluded that there is
positive correlation between intelligence and language development.
Mentally, the child develops rapidly, in terms of acquisition of new
experiences. The child is inquisitive and reflects this through
questioning about this environment. Since he is in primary school at the
age of 6 he is able to use symbols in language, play and problem
solving.

Socially, the child learns to cooperate with his friends and others. On
shared interests especially in playing, simple stories etc

Emotionally, early childhood provides personal and social adjustment of

the child. The emotional expression in early childhood are intense.

At this stage, Hurlock identified certain social expectations for every

stage of development namely, childhood, adolescent-hood and adult-
hood called development tasks.

3.3 Development Tasks

In unit 2, we have identified the various stages of common development

as infancy, childhood, adolescent-hood and adulthood. Each stage has
certain tasks to acquire for later development. In every culture, for
example, individuals are expected to master certain saleable skills and
acquire approval patterns of behavior. Failure to acquire these
developmental changes and patterns of behaviour acquired at various
ages during the life span may result in unacceptability in the society.
These skills and patterns acquired are what Hurlock called social
expectations for every stage of development. The social expectations
according to Havighurst are Developmental tasks. According to
Havighurst, development task is a task which arises at or about a
certain period in the life of the individual, successful achievement of
which leads to happiness and to success with later tasks, while failure
leads to unhappiness and difficulty with later tasks.” This implies that
an individual must acquire an acceptable degree of competency in
learning skills and behavior as expected of his age, sex and after
circumstantial situation. Again failure to achieve saleable skills and
expected behavior in each stage of human development will difficult, in
lead to the next stage. The mastery of developmental tasks may be
affected by malnutrition, health, state-of- poor socioeconomic status of
parents, low intelligence, etc.

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3.4 Developmental Tasks in Infancy and Early Childhood

You have known the meaning or definition of development al tasks

which that should be mastered during each stage of life from infancy to
old age. It is interesting to let us identify the developmental tasks that
are associated with infancy and early childhood at the age bracket of
zero to 5years plus. The age falls into pre- primary school period. The
developmental tasks of infancy and early childhood are adopted from
Havighurst. These tasks include learning to be mobile; communicate by
the use of language of immediate environment; take solid foods; and
control and eliminate body wastes. In addition, the child learns to
differentiate a boy from a girl (sex differences), achieving physiological
stability; learning to distinguish right from wrong and developing
conscience (through teaching of moral and tradition) forming simple
concepts of social and physical realities such as parents (mother and
father), other realities, etc. Learning to relate oneself emotionally to
parents, siblings and other people are all crucial in speech as a result of
being an only child or a result of deficiency in the use of words. The
parents and teachers are influential factors to the achievement of the
tasks. The influence of the home begins before birth and through out
life.

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Define the concept of developmental tasks.

2. List and explain two developmental tasks in infancy and early
childhood.

3.5 Middle Childhood

In sub-unit 3.1, we learnt early childhood stage of human development

is the foundation in the early years, which eventually determine what the
child‟s adjustment to life will be. Each child develops at his own rate
and pattern. It is characterized by traits associated with the period.

The middle childhood lies between six and eight years. According to
National Policy on Education, the child is supposed to be in primary
school after attending pre- primary school if he has access to it. The
child leaves his home to formal schooling in primary school and if the
child is progressing very well, he is supposed to be in primary school.
The middle childhood is characterized by Piaget‟s concrete operational
stage. During this stage the child prefers concrete objects. The child is
more sociable and full of activities and likes learning by doing. He likes
to play games with his peers. It is an age of competition and rivalry.

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Physically, the period of middle childhood is characterized by body

coordination and movements. The increased in physical coordination
enables him to be vigorously involved in activities.

Morally, the child looks at his parents and his teachers as models of
morality.

Socially, the child plays with peers and mates. Peers do influence the
behavior of young children through modeling or imitation. Parents and
relatives as well as teachers play important roles in the social
development of the child.

Emotionally, in the period of middle childhood, the child becomes more

emotional in terms of expression of happiness, anxiety, sadness;
affection and love, among parents, teachers and other people are even
their peers and mates. Both parents and teachers should understand that
anxiety and fear affect the behavior of children at these stages.
Psychologists believe that anxiety and fear affect intellectual
performance of the child. The child should study in an anxiety and fear-
free environment.

Mentally, this is a period of discovery Piaget observed that children at

this stage are able to learn the operations of subs traction, addition,
Multiplication of numbers that involves logical thinking as basis to
classify objects and events and understand how they are related while in
primary school. They are able to solve simple problems that involve
mass, weight, number, length, area and quantity.

3.6 Developmental Tasks of Middle Childhood

You have learnt the meaning of the concept- developmental task in unit
3.1. In this respect, developmental tasks of middle childhood like any
other period of human development demands the social expectations of
a child at home, community and school which the child must accomplish
in order to cope with the stage of development successfully. The
developmental tasks of middle childhood and late childhood are treated
the same in this module.

3.7 The Period of Late Childhood

Psychologists regard this period as the “gang age, “the age of

conformity” or “the age of creativity” because group activities play
important roles in the child‟s life. In the view of Hurlock, late childhood
is called the going age because older children are interested in activities
with their peers and want to belong to a gang, which expects them to
conform to the patterns of behavior and to the values and interest of its

50
members. This period or stage falls within the age bracket of 6 to 11
years.

According to the National Policy on Education (2004), the child leaves

the home and nursery school and Primary school. Today some of them
may enter junior secondary school that is ages 10 to 11 years. The
period involves operational stages of Piaget‟s cognitive development
especially in the sub-stage or intuitive stage (4 to 7 years) and concrete
operations (8 to 11 yeas). Basically the child is involved in intuitive
thinking as such he can handle numbers of various reactions to each
other and arrange objects orderly. This period is marked by more social
or communicative speech and greater dependence on intuitive thinking
rather then just on perception (Thomas 1992). Personality development
and socialization are essential at this age and their experiences are tied
to their immediate environment. At this stage, the child also develops
moral standards of their group. He accepts the group activities as he
prepares himself to the next stage.

Let us find out the developmental tasks of middle childhood and late
childhood. The children fall within the age cohort of 6 to 11 years. They
should acquire social, schooling and play skills in the primary school
etc.

Some of the developmental tasks to develop these skills are identified by

Havighurst as:

i) Learning physical skill or motor skill for ordinary games. This

implies that some of the skills are acquired by children through
interaction with their peers. The parents and teachers should
enable them develop these motor skills through proper
coordination, supervision and teaching.
ii) Building a wholesome attitude toward oneself as a growing
organism. In this respect, children should be trained in the areas
of sanitation, and health habits.
iii) Learning to get along with age- mates. Sociometrically, children
should be taught to maintain good relationship with their peers
and age- mates.
iv) Beginning to develop appropriate Masculine or femine social
roles;
v) Developing fundamental skills in reading, writing and
calculating.
vi) Developing a conscience, a sense of morality and a scale of
values. For example, children should be exposed to good family
up bringing and religious and moral instructions especially in
primary school.

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 PED221 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

vii) Developing attitudes toward social groups and constitutions-

children should be encouraged to obey rules and regulations; of
their school etc. they should be taught to respect one another in
their everyday living.
ix) Achieving personal independence: children should be encouraged
to work independently with their school activities, and develop
self skills.

4.0 CONCLUSION

In this unit, you have learnt the concept and nature of early childhood.
You have learned the importance of developmental tasks in infancy and
early childhood.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit, we have learnt that;

1) Childhood is sub-divided into early childhood, middle childhood,

and late childhood.
2) The physical, mental, social and emotional characteristics of
early childhood.
3) Developmental tasks are known as social expectations of an
individual through the various stages of development.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

What are the developmental tasks to develop the skills in middle

childhood and late childhood?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Hurlock, E. B. (1942). Child Development. New Delhi: McGraw-Hill

Kogakusha Ltd.

Stone, E. (1976). An Introduction to Educational Psychology. London:

Harper and Row Publisher.

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