Human Growth and Development
Human Growth and Development Exam Info
The Human Growth and Development exam (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging) covers material that is generally taught in a one-semester introductory course in developmental psychology or human development. An understanding of the major theories and research related to the broad categories of physical development, cognitive development, and social development is required, as is the ability to apply this knowledge.
50Recommended Score for Credit
3Semester Hours
Knowledge and Skills Required
Theoretical Perspectives10%
- Cognitive developmental
- Evolutionary
- Learning
- Psychodynamic
- Social cognitive
- Sociocultural
- Biological
- Ecological
Research Strategies and Methodology6%
- Case study
- Correlational
- Cross sectional
- Cross sequential
- Experimental
- Longitudinal
- Observational
Biological Development Throughout the Life Span12%
- Development of the brain and nervous system
- Genetic disorders
- Heredity, genetics, and genetic testing
- Hormonal influences
- Influences of drugs
- Motor development
- Nutritional influences
- Perinatal influences
- Physical growth and maturation; aging
- Prenatal influences
- Sexual maturation
- Teratogens
Perceptual Development Throughout the Life Span6%
- Habituation
- Sensitive periods
- Sensorimotor activities
- Sensory acuity
- Sensory deprivation
Cognitive Development Throughout the Life Span12%
- Attention
- Environmental influences
- Executive function
- Expertise
- Information processing
- Memory
- Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory
- Play
- Problem solving and planning
- Thinking
- Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory
- Wisdom
Language Development8%
- Bilingualism
- Development of syntax
- Environmental, cultural, and genetic influences
- Language and thought
- Pragmatics
- Semantic development
- Vocalization and sound
Intelligence Throughout the Life Span6%
- Concepts of intelligence and creativity
- Developmental stability and change
- Giftedness
- Heredity and environment
- Intelligence tests
- Reaction range
Social Development Throughout the Life Span12%
- Aggression
- Attachment
- Gender
- Interpersonal relationships
- Moral development
- Prosocial behavior
- Risk and resilience
- Self
- Social cognition
- Social learning and modeling
- Wellness
Family, Home, and Society Throughout the Life Span8%
- Abuse and neglect
- Bronfenbrenner, Urie
- Death and dying
- Family relationships
- Family structures
- Media and technology
- Multicultural perspectives
- Parenting styles
- Social and class influences
Personality and Emotion8%
- Attribution styles
- Development of emotions
- Emotional expression and regulation
- Emotional intelligence
- Erikson, Erik
- Freud, Sigmund
- Psychosocial theory
- Stability and change
- Temperament
Schooling, Work, and Interventions6%
- Applications of developmental principles
- Facilitation of role transitions
- Intervention programs and services
- Learning styles
- Occupational development
- Operant conditioning
- Preschool care, day care, and elder care
- Retirement
Developmental Psychopathology6%
- Antisocial behavior
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Asocial behavior, fears, phobias, and obsessions
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Chronic illnesses and physical disabilities
- Cognitive disorders, including dementia
- Learning disabilities
- Intellectual disability
- Trauma-based syndromes