AOS+2+Lifespan+Psychology

 **Lifespan psychology ** What makes me the person I am? Was I born this way? Will I stay this way? What will change as I     age? These questions are integral to the study of lifespan psychology – the psychological development of an individual from infancy to old age, which includes the complex interaction of heredity and environment. This area of study focuses on changes in the interaction between biological, cognitive and socio-cultural influences and learned behaviours that contribute to an individual’s psychological development and mental wellbeing at different stages. Students consider how classic and contemporary studies contribute to our understanding of changes that take place across an individual’s lifespan. They draw upon one of these theories to research one lifespan stage. They use the major perspectives in contemporary psychology to explain cognition and behaviours associated with particular stages of development, taking into account heredity and environmental influences. Students apply appropriate methods of psychological research to their investigations into aspects of     lifespan psychology, and explain associated ethical principles in the conduct and use of psychological research. **Outcome 2 **  On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe a range of psychological development theories and conduct an investigation into one stage in the lifespan of an individual.
 * AREA OF STUDY 2 **