preview

Assess The Importance Of Developmental Psychology In Schools

Satisfactory Essays

Developmental psychology is the study of how and why people develop the way they do over the course of their lives. In the early days of study it was primarily concerned with the development of the child. Now it is understood that development continues throughout adulthood. Initially developmental psychology focused on the differences between adults and children but then the study of Darwin’s theory of evolution prompted a re-think. ‘Functionalism’ suggests that behavioural changes are a result of a realisation that this new behaviour will benefit the individual. This idea derives directly from Darwin’s theory which argues that behaviours which increase an organism’s chance for survival are selected for through the process of evolution. Changes

Get Access