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Chapter 3 of 8
Revision Notes

Lifespan Development

ICSE · Class 12 · Psychology

Quick revision notes for Lifespan Development — ICSE Class 12 Psychology. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

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Key Topics to Revise

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3.1 Importance of the Study of Lifespan Development

  • Development is a lifelong process beginning at conception and continuing until death.
  • The study of lifespan development helps individuals understand normal developmental milestones and identify deviations.
  • Parents benefit by understanding and addressing concerns of children and adolescents.
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3.2 Development, Growth and Maturation

  • Development: Progressive series of changes that are continuous, cumulative, consistent, and individualised.
  • Growth: Quantitative changes (height, weight, size) — has a limit in terms of age; slows or stops after a certain age.
  • Maturation: Gradual unfolding of characteristics dependent on biological factors; pioneered by Arnold Gesell, advanced by Jean Piaget.
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3.3.1 Physical Development across Infancy and Babyhood

  • Physical development occurs through neural, lymphoid, musculo-skeletal and genital development.
  • Brain weight at birth: 1/8th of body weight → 1/18th at age 10 → 1/25th at age 15 (brain grows proportionally smaller relative to body).
  • Height at birth: 17–21 inches; at end of 2nd year: 32–34 inches.
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3.3.2 Motor Development across Infancy, Babyhood and Childhood

  • Motor development: Gradual gaining of control over bodily movements.
  • Newborn reflexes are automatic, unlearned responses that aid survival.
  • Key newborn reflexes: Grasping, Moro (embracing reflex), Rooting, Tonic neck (fencing reflex), Babinski (toe fanning), Eye blinking, Stepping, Sucking reflex.

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Key Concepts

Lifespan development refers to the continuousGrowth refers to quantitativeHeredity involves the genetic transmissionUrie Bronfenbrenner proposed that a child'sJean Piaget proposed four invariant

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Lifespan Development for ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Key topics in Lifespan Development include Lifespan Development — Complete Chapter Overview, Overview of Lifespan Development – Chapter Concept Map, Overview of Lifespan Development — Key Concepts. These are the concepts ICSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Lifespan Development — ICSE Class 12 Psychology?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

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Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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