HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
SELF-PACED COURSE
1. About this Course
It covers the fundamentals generally taught in a one-semester introductory course in developmental psychology or human development, including the infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging.
"In this course, we will cover topics and issues that relate to the way humans grow and develop over their lifetime. We’ll be look at how researchers study development; how different theories guide researchers’ questions; how biology and genetics influence development; how perception, thinking, and language develop; how intelligence is measured and used; how the forces of family, culture, and society affect development; how people develop socially and emotionally; how people transition to different stages and roles in their lives; and what can go wrong in development you’ll want to review these videos more than once, and you ought to take notes," explains our instructor Dr. Norman Rose.
The exam contains approximately 90 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.
An understanding of the major theories and research related to the broad categories of physical development, cognitive development, and social development is required, as is the ability to apply this knowledge.
Note that the questions on the CLEP Human Growth and Development exam will adhere to the terminology,
Our “Human Growth and Development” course is completely self-paced. There are no prerequisites to take this course, and it is entirely free. Our goal as the creator of this course is to prepare you to pass the College Board's CLEP examination and obtain college credit for free.
2. Required Knowledge and Skills
The CLEP exam requires you to demonstrate one or more of the following abilities:
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Knowledge of basic facts and terminology
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Understanding of generally accepted concepts and principles
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Understanding of theories and recurrent developmental issues
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Applications of knowledge to particular problems or situations
3. Course Modules
Following are the main topics and percentages of the exam’s questions, mostly based on the College Board's description of the course:
Module 1: Theoretical Perspectives (10%)
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Evolutionary
1.2 Biological
1.3 Learning (Behaviorism)
1.4 Cognitive Developmental
1.5 Social Cognitive (Social Learning)
1.6 Sociocultural
1.7 Ecological
1.8 Psychodynamic
Module 2: Research Strategies and Methodology (6%)
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Experimental
2.2 Correlational
2.3 Observational
2.4 Cross-Sectional
2.5 Longitudinal
2.6 Cross Sequential
2.7 Case Study
Module 3: Biological Development Throughout the Life Span (12%)
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Heredity, Genetics, and Genetic Testing
3.2 Genetic Disorders
3.3 Development of the Brain and Nervous System
3.4 Hormonal Influences
3.5 Prenatal Influences
3.6 Teratogens
3.7 Influences of Drugs
3.8 Nutritional Influences
3.9 Perinatal Influences
3.10 Motor Development
3.11 Physical Growth, Maturation, and Aging
3.12 Sexual Maturation
Module 4: Perceptual Development Throughout the Life Span (6%)
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Sensorimotor Activities
4.2 Sensitive Periods
4.3 Sensory Deprivation
4.4 Habituation
4.5 Sensory Acuity
Module 5: Cognitive Development Throughout the Life Span (12%)
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Thinking
5.2 Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory
5.3 Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
5.4 Play
5.5 Executive Function
5.6 Information Processing
5.7 Attention
5.8 Memory
5.9 Problem Solving and Planning
5.10 Environmental Influences
5.11 Expertise
5.12 Wisdom
Module 6: Language Development (8%)
6.0 Introduction
6.1 Vocalization and Sound
6.2 Language and Thought
6.3 Development of Syntax
6.4 Semantic Development
6.5 Pragmatics
6.6 Environmental, Cultural, and Genetic Influences
6.7 Bilingualism
Module 7: Intelligence Throughout the Life Span (6%)
7.0 Introduction
7.1 Concepts of Intelligence and Creativity
7.2 Developmental Stability and Change
7.3 Heredity and Environment
7.4 Reaction Range
7.5 Intelligence Tests
7.6 Giftedness
Module 8: Social Development Throughout the Life Span (12%)
8.0 Introduction
8.1 Attachment
8.2 Self
8.3 Social Cognition
8.4 Social Learning and Modeling
8.5 Gender
8.6 Interpersonal Relationships
8.7 Moral Development
8.8 Prosocial Behavior
8.9 Risk and Resilience
8.10 Aggression
8.11 Wellness
Module 9: Family, Home, and Society Throughout the Life Span (8%)
9.0 Introduction
9.1 Family Structures
9.2 Family Relationships
9.3 Parenting Styles
9.4 Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Perspective
9.5 Multicultural Perspectives
9.6 Social and Class Influences
9.7 Abuse and Neglect
9.8 Media and Technology
9.9 Death and Dying
Module 10: Personality and Emotion (8%)
10.0 Introduction
10.1 Temperament
10.2 Development of Emotions
10.3 Emotional Expression and Regulation
10.4 Emotional Intelligence
10.5 Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory
10.6 Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
10.7 Stability and Change
10.8 Attribution Styles
Module 11: Schooling, Work, and Interventions (6%)
11.0 Introduction
11.1 Day Care and Preschool
11.2 Applications of Developmental Principles
11.3 Operant Conditioning
11.4 Learning Styles
11.5 Intervention Programs and Services
11.6 Occupational Development
11.7 Facilitation of Role Transitions
11.8 Retirement
11.9 Elder Care
Module 12: Developmental Psychopathology (6%)
12.0 Introduction
12.1 Chronic Illnesses and Physical Disabilities
12.2 Intellectual Disability
12.3 Cognitive Disorders, including Dementia
12.4 Trauma-Based Syndromes
12.5 Autism Spectrum Disorders
12.6 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
12.7 Learning Disabilities
12.8 Asocial Behavior, Phobias, and Obsessions
12.9 Antisocial Behavior
12.10 Anxiety and Mood Disorders
4. About Norman Rose,
Dr. Norman Rose holds a
Dr. Rose has taught both in-person and online in the field of education, especially on topics relating to educational psychology, human growth and development, and classroom management. He has also helped several institutions create coursework on these topics.
Dr. Rose has authored a book on human development, entitled The Design of Life. And he has taken his interests into the digital field as founder and director of a children’s computer learning center.
Outside of academia, he has composed and published several music albums, authored children’s books, and enjoys gardening and hiking.
5. How CLEP Works
Developed by the College Board, CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program.
CLEP’s credits are accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, according to the College Board. These tests assess college-level knowledge in 33 subject areas.
Modern States Education Alliance is the non-profit organization behind these
• CLEP® Introduction to Human Growth and Development: at a Glance
• 'Passing the CLEP and Learning with Modern States' orientation course