SAMPLE Developmental Psychology

diseases, malnutrition, and lack of medical care. It is estimated that the average life expectancy during these periods was often below 30 years. Medieval and Renaissance Eras: Life expectancy increased somewhat during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, but it remained relatively low by modern standards. It typically ranged from 30 to 40 years, with variations depending on social class, region, and access to resources. 18 th and 19 th Centuries: In the 18 th and 19 th centuries, life expectancy began to improve in some parts of the world, particularly in Western Europe and North America. The average life expectancy during this time ranged from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. 20 th Century: The 20 th century saw dramatic improvements in life expectancy, driven by advances in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition, as well as the development of vaccines and antibiotics. By the mid-20th century, the global average life expectancy had risen to around 50 to 60 years. 21 st Century: Life expectancy continued to increase in most parts of the world throughout the 21st century. By the early 2000s, the global average life expectancy had reached over 70 years; in many developed countries, it exceeded 80 years. However, there were and still are significant disparities between different regions and countries due to variations in healthcare systems and socio-economic conditions. It is important to note that these are general trends, and there have always been variations based on factors such as geographic location, social class, and access to healthcare. Additionally, significant historical events, such as wars, pandemics, and famines, have had a major impact on life expectancy in specific time periods. B. Domains of Development Here are three different domains of developmental psychology. It is easier to study developmental psychology when the three main perspectives are broken down into components. Let’s look at these three components: Biosocial Domain The biosocial domain delves into the intricate interplay between biological and social factors that influence an individual’s development. It encompasses the study of physiological changes within the body and the societal influences that impact these changes. For example, consider a researcher exploring the effects of nutrition on a child’s physiological development. This investigation intertwines concepts of socioeconomic status, societal influences, and biological processes. In the context of this domain, there are two fundamental aspects of development: ● Potential Development: This refers to a child’s maximum growth and development potential under ideal conditions. It represents what a child could achieve with optimal support and resources. ● Actual Development: Actual development reflects how much a child genuinely grows and develops in reality, considering their individual circumstances and experiences.

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