Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how our behaviour and psychological processes change as we pass through different life stages. There are 4 overarching headings in developmental psychology, which together contain 13 learning outcomes.

General Framework

GF1: To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence human development?

GF2: Evaluate psychological research relevant to developmental psychology.

Cognitive Development

CD1: Evaluate theories of cognitive development.

CD2: Discuss how social and environmental variables may affect cognitive development.

Social Development

SD1: Examine attachment in childhood and its role in the subsequent formation of relationships.

SD2: Discuss potential effects of deprivation or trauma in childhood on later development.

SD3: Define resilience.

SD4: Discuss strategies to build resilience.

Identity Development

ID1: Discuss the formation and development of gender roles.

ID2: Explain cultural variations in gender role

ID3: Describe adolescence.

ID4: Discuss the relationship between physical change and development of identity during adolescence.

ID5: Examine psychological research into adolescence.