Life Span Perspective Paper free essay sample

In the following document an explanation of the life span perspective of development will ensue. Summarization of two theories of life span development will be expounded. The writer will explicate how heredity and the environment interact to produce individual differences in development. Explain the Life Span Perspective of Development The life span perspective of development seeks to study development over the course of existence. Understanding the changes that occur throughout life from subtle to explosive is the purpose of this viewpoint. In order to value and comprehend the life span perspective the five characteristics of development are presented: multidirectional (changes occur in all directions but always in a straight line), multicontextual (Life is embedded with many context including family, history, and economic conditions), multicultural (Cultural differences have an affect even intercontinental), multidisciplinary (Scientific disciplines including but not limited to psychology, biology, and education), and plastic (Any trait in any individual can be altered at any point in development). We will write a custom essay sample on Life Span Perspective Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Within this structure the dynamic nature of life can be studied valued and recorded for present and future relevance. How and why we change as we grow and progress through life further defines development (Berger, 2008, p. 22). Summarize Two Theories of Life Span Development. Two major theories of life span development are Dynamic Systems theory and Sociocultural theory. Dynamic systems theory is an examination of individual development as forever altering; existence is the artifact of constant interface between the bodily and expressive being and amid the personality and all facets of his or her surroundings, together with the relatives and society. Instability is continuous, and each variant influence all the others (Berger, 2008, p. 5). Dynamic systems theory captures the connection of a person with their environment and the continuous possibilities for change during the interaction. Sociocultural theory is emergent theory that indicates development results from the dynamic interface amid each person and the surrounding social and cultural affects (Berger, 2008 p. 46). Sociocultural is not a complete theory but does provide a path to increased comprehension of development. Explain How Heredity and the Environment Interact to Produce Individual Differences in Development. Heredity as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica is the sum of all biological processes by which particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring (http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/262934/heredity). Heredity takes the genes from the pool provided by the ancestral line of each parent and forms traits that will decide the characteristics of the offspring. The environment describes the location, surrounding elements, influences, and conditions. The description of environment must be expanded to include ecology and social and cultural forces (http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/environment). The two synergize or are interdependent over the life span of the individual, shaping, forming and affecting life experiences. Heredity forms a base of reference and the environment provides a dynamic life-scape of interactive development. Every person that is met in passing can alter the life path. For example; the middle school math teacher that indicated a person can do anything. One specific ecological event can alter the course as well. As an example; the rain storm that resulted in a person’s first view of a rainbow. The affect can be minimal, volatile or have no consequence at all. The outcome of these events or exposures are dependent (in no small part) on the heredity filter in which they are experienced through. That is the dynamic nature of the individual differences in development. Conclusion In this document an explanation of the life span perspective of development has been given. Summarization of two theories of life span development has taken place. The writer has explicated how heredity and the environment interact to produce individual differences in development.