Week 1 “What Have You Learned?” Questions

1. What is the difference between a critical period and a sensitive period?

2. How do Erikson’s stages differ from Freud’s?

3. Why do experimenters use a control (or comparison) group as well as an experimental group?

4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the survey method?

5. Why would a scientist conduct a longitudinal study?

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research?

book: Invitation to the life Span

https://www.academia.edu/43548008/Invitation_to_the_Life_Span_by_Kathleen_Stassen_Berger

ANSWER

Insights from “Invitation to the Life Span” – Week 1 Learning

Week 1 of “Invitation to the Life Span” provides valuable insights into fundamental concepts in the field of lifespan development. Let’s delve into the answers to the questions posed:

 Difference between a Critical Period and a Sensitive Period:

A critical period refers to a specific window of time during development when an organism is particularly sensitive to certain environmental stimuli. If the necessary experiences or inputs are not provided during this period, it can result in irreversible consequences. For example, language development in humans has critical periods.

A sensitive period, on the other hand, is a broader concept. It also represents a time when an organism is more receptive to specific environmental influences but is less rigid than critical periods. While the optimal time for development may pass, it is still possible to make progress, albeit with more effort and potential limitations.

Erikson’s Stages vs. Freud’s Stages

Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development emphasize the social and emotional aspects of development across the lifespan. These stages focus on achieving positive resolutions to various life crises, such as trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, etc.

Freud’s stages of psychosexual development, in contrast, concentrate on the role of sexual and aggressive drives in shaping personality. His stages, such as the oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages, are focused on the early years of life and the conflicts that arise during these phases.

 Use of Control and Experimental Groups

Experimenters use a control (or comparison) group alongside an experimental group to establish a basis for comparison. The control group does not receive the experimental treatment or manipulation, allowing researchers to assess the impact of the treatment by comparing it to a group under typical conditions. This helps determine whether observed changes are due to the treatment or other factors.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Survey Method

Strengths: Surveys are efficient for collecting data from a large number of participants, allowing for generalizability. They can provide insights into attitudes, opinions, and behaviors. Surveys are also cost-effective and can be administered remotely.

Weaknesses: Surveys may suffer from response bias, where participants provide socially desirable answers. Question phrasing and order can influence responses. Surveys might not capture complex, in-depth information, and participants may misinterpret questions.

Longitudinal Study Rationale

Scientists conduct longitudinal studies to examine how individuals change and develop over an extended period, often years or decades. This approach helps identify patterns and trends in development, allowing researchers to explore the continuity and change in behaviors, traits, and characteristics.

 Advantages and Disadvantages of Quantitative Research

Advantages: Quantitative research provides precise, numerical data that is easy to analyze statistically. It allows for generalizability to larger populations and enables the identification of patterns and trends. It is suitable for testing hypotheses and establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

Disadvantages: Quantitative research may overlook nuances and complexities in human behavior. It may not capture the richness of qualitative data. Data collection and analysis can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, it may not provide a deep understanding of the reasons behind observed phenomena.

In summary, “Invitation to the Life Span” Week 1 offers foundational knowledge about critical and sensitive periods, Erikson’s stages compared to Freud’s stages, research methodologies like surveys and longitudinal studies, and the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research. This knowledge serves as a solid starting point for comprehending the complexities of human development across the lifespan.