Lifespan development studies how people grow, change, and remain stable from conception through old age. Because people are shaped by many interacting influences, no single theory explains every aspect of development. This lesson introduces the value of multiple perspectives and Erik Erikson’s lifespan theory.
People are multidimensional: each person has traits, abilities, roles, relationships, and behavioral tendencies. These characteristics can change or remain stable, and are influenced by genes, experiences, and interactions between genes and environments. Lifespan development therefore draws on several theories and research methods from different scientific disciplines.
All flashcards
What is a psychosocial crisis in Erikson’s theory?
A developmental challenge arising from the interaction between a person’s changing needs and social expectations.
What is scaffolding in Vygotsky’s theory?
Temporary assistance adjusted to a learner’s needs and gradually withdrawn as competence grows.
What does attachment theory describe?
How enduring emotional bonds, often between children and caregivers, support security and development.
What does heritability estimate?
The proportion of variation in a trait within a particular population and setting associated with genetic differences.
What are developmental assets?
Forty internal qualities and external resources that can support young people’s healthy development.
Quiz questions
Why does lifespan development use multiple theoretical perspectives?Answer: Development reflects interacting biological, experiential, and social influences.
Which kind of reasoning is characteristic of Piaget’s concrete operational stage?Answer: Logical reasoning about concrete events and transformations.
In Vygotsky’s theory, what does the zone of proximal development identify?Answer: Tasks a learner can manage with appropriate help but not yet independently.
What does heritability describe in behavioral genetics?Answer: How much trait variation in a particular population and setting is associated with genetic differences.
How can observational learning occur without direct experience of a consequence?Answer: A person watches a model and notices the consequences of the model’s actions.
Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.