Abstract
This paper is meant to provide an overview of what a developmental psychologist is and what preparation is needed for obtaining a professional position within this subfield of psychology. The topics covered within include a brief summary of what it takes to become a developmental psychologist, the educational requirements for certification/licensing needed for practicing psychology, and the occupational outlook for the field over the next few years. Additionally, some of the positions, duties, and work environments are discussed as well as a brief examination of the reasons why this field and developmental psychologists are so crucial to the overall wellbeing of the human race. The field of Developmental Psychology is a very
…show more content…
The variety of positions is mostly due to the fact that Developmental Psychology is concerned with every possible phase or evolution that may occur on any level throughout the lifespan. Most individuals who choose this field will typically focus on one particular phase or level of development (ex. age, specific topics such as the progression of a specific neurological disorder, etc.) (APA, 2017). There are not too many professional positions available for those with an undergraduate degree. An individual who possesses an undergraduate level of education may find career opportunities working in research or as an assistant to another licensed practicing psychologist (APA, 2017). However, in order to be able to legally refer to one’s self as a psychologist or to work under that moniker the individual must obtain at the minimum a graduate or doctoral level of education (Study.com, 2017) as well as specific certification or licensing, if necessary for specialty fields, as required by the law of the region that the individual intends to practice in (APA, 2017). For example, an individual who wants to open their own practice to provide treatment and therapeutic assistance to children with Autism and their families should expect to be required to possess a doctoral level of education that is
Then earn a Doctoral degree as a Doctor of Psychology or Psy.D that requires 2-3 of advanced coursework and a 1-3 years dissertation. It is important for this program to be accredited by the American Psychological Association. This is also the time to begin some type of experience by taking a 1-year full-time internship. Next, one would have to complete a Post-doctoral Internship which is a “ placement to gain the experiences necessary for a license” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015, pg.1). After this it is time to obtain your License by passing the examination for Professional Practice of Psychology and depending on what state you live in, an ethics examination as well. One might think their almost to the finish line but after this there is still education requirements needed like “20 hours of continuing education per year, or 40 hours every two years” (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015, pg.1). Finally obtain a Specialty Certification if the psychologist has a specific focus
Developmental Child Psychology has been defined as a field of study that examines and attempts to explain why and how human beings change and develop over time. Changes include physical change, mental change and social change.
Before postgraduate work can be started, the student must receive a bachelor’s in psychology and fulfill the requirements listed for the psychology program they wish to enter. Once a bachelor’s degree is achieved, a psychology major has the choice of either obtaining their master's or their doctorate. When earning a master’s a student is accepted into the college of his or her choice, and usually completes the program within 2 years, or longer. If a master's is earned, the student may go on to become an assistant in a clinical setting underneath someone who has a doctorate in psychology, but they will not be able to do any high level of work. If a student chooses to obtain a doctorate they are again, accepted into the program of their choice, although admission is very competitive. Once accepted into the doctorate program the student serves about 2-4 years where they receive training and guidance in a hospital setting, but it all depends on the program they enter. Having a doctorate in psychology will open the doors for soon-to-be clinical psychologists, and offers a higher job title, certification, and higher pay. Whether a student chooses a master's or a doctorate, a large amount of psychology classes must be taken. More than likely when a student is an a doctorate program, they are required to fulfill a 1-2 year internal ship of professional experience, as cited from
Psychology is a broad field that includes a wide variety of career opportunities. Some of these careers include health psychology, clinical psychology, sport psychology, and school psychology, only to mention a few. In this expansive field with much to offer, developmental psychology consists of just one of the many options available to psychologists. Developmental psychologists study the “social, cognitive, and physiological development during any of the following life stages: infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood” (PsychologyCareerCenter). They also study the various landmarks associated in that particular age range (American Psychological Foundation). For example, a developmental psychologist who works with children might focus on developmental disabilities or behavioral problems in young children. One who works with aging adults might concentrate on the effects of Alzheimer’s or dementia on the mind (American Psychological Foundation).
Developmental Psychology is the ways that people change throughout their lifespan. Studies include the psychological affects, physical and social growth, intellectual, emotional and perceptual changes that occur. Developmental Psychology focus on a wide range of behavior changes beginning with prenatal development. Developmental Psychology also focuses on developmental disabilities and the effects it might have on people’s behavior. As with many fields related to psychology, a developmental psychologist must obtain a doctorate for most positions; some positions at the university level requires a PhD.
According to Cliff Notes, Developmental psychology is the scientific study of age-related changes throughout the human life span. A discipline of scientific inquiry, developmental psychology recognizes humans of all societies and cultures as beings who are “in process,” or constantly growing and changing. This discipline identifies the biological, psychological, and social aspects that interact to influence the growing human life-span process. Within the last 25 years, developmentalist’s researchers who study human development expanded their focus to include the study of the physical, motor, cognitive, intellectual, emotional, personality, social, and moral changes that occur throughout all stages of the life span (cliff notes).
As stated by collegegrad.com, “Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions. Psychologists in independent practice also need a license” (1). Similarly, it is important for a psychologist to have the skills that are needed in order to succeed. This includes analytical skills, communication skills, observational skills, patience, people skills, problem-solving skills, and trustworthiness. Without these important characteristics, it would be impossible to be a successful
This essay will explore how developmental psychology has improved the lives of children diagnosed with specific learning difficulties (SpLD). It will explore how these improvements have been made from diagnosis to assessments, consequences to intervention.
Developmental psychology recognizes three main models of psychosocial and cognitive development. The first theory, presented by developmental psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget, addresses cognitive development. The second theory, presented by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, focuses on the development of morality. The third theory, proposed by developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, outlines psychosocial development. All three theories are applicable from birth to death.
Why do children act in specific ways? Is their behavior pertaining to their age, relationship, or individual temperament? Developmental psychologists aim to answer such questions in addition to understand, describe, and predict behaviors which occur all throughout the life-span. So as to understand human
Psychology involves studying the mental functioning and general behaviors of both humans and animals. Social behavior and mental functioning of an individual are explained by exploring the neurological and physiological processes. These include emotions, cognition, perception, motivation, attention, brain functioning and personality. Child psychology is as well stated to be the application of psychological techniques to children where it involves carrying out research on mental states and development of children. The development of the child both physically, mentally and emotionally, with the help of a parent allows the identification of helpful information to any evolving challenges in child’s behavior and
Development psychology refers to the scientific study of the systematic psychological changes that normally occur to human beings throughout their growth period from birth to old age. It was originally concerned with children and infants, but it has since expanded to include the entire life span of mankind including adolescence and adulthood. Development psychology covers the extent to which human development occurs through gradual accumulation of knowledge, and the extent to which children born with inmate mental structures learn through experience. Several psychological theories and approaches like the behavioral, humanistic, psychoanalytic, biological, and cognitive approaches have been developed to explain the
Developmental Psychology has widened my perspective and knowledge of the nature of development from humans’ infancy to adolescence and emerging adulthood. Although I have learned about biological, cognitive, and socioemotional processes and periods of development, I am especially interested in socioemotional development in infancy because it is the foundation for a child’s future development. That is to say, if children have a healthy socioemotional development from infancy, they will have a healthy life later on. By understanding the developmental process in infancy, I will be fully prepared when I have children or when my family’s members do.
The next type of psychology is the developmental psychologist. Developmental psychologists work with psychological processes and development that takes place throughout life. They study aging and problems the elderly may face, but this type of psychologist mainly focuses on children and adolescents (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Week one started off with developmental psychology, which is defined as identifying and explaining the continuities and changes individuals display over time. There are two ways that cause humans to develop, these are by maturity and learning experiences. A person that observes developmental psychology are known as developmentalist.