Introduction; Development - Key Questions

1. What are the 3 main elements of the scientific study of development? 
2. What are the 5 characteristics of the life-span perspective? 
3. How might the historical context differ for someone born in 1907 as compared to 2007? 
4. What are 3 socioeconomic factors that constitute SES, & how might each affect development? 
5. What are the differences among culture, ethnicity, & race? 
6. What are the steps in the scientific method? 
7. What are the advantages & disadvantages of observational research? 
8. What are the advantages & disadvantages of experimental research? 
9. Compare the uses of longitudinal & cross-sectional research. How are the advantages of each method combined in 
cross-sequential research? 
10. What is the advantage of the ecological systems approach? 
11.  What is the main focus of the study of human development?

Sample answer: The main focus of the study of human development is to explore how & why people change, and how & 
why they remain the same.

12. How does the life-span perspective apply to the study of childhood or adolescence?

Sample answer: It views human development at any age as an ongoing process.

13. What are the pros & cons of qualitative research? Quantitative research?
14. Name & describe three domains into which the study of human development is often divided.

Sample answer:

Biosocial domain: The part of human development that include physical growth & development as well as 
the family, community, & cultural factors that affect growth & development.
  
Cognitive domain: The part of human development that includes all the mental processes, through which the individual thinks, 
learns, & communicates, plus the institutions involved in learning & communicating.
  
Psychosocial domain: The part of human development that includes emotions, personality characteristics, & relationships 
with other people - family, friends, lovers, and strangers. This domain also includes the larger community and the culture.