Overview
Developmental psychology offers critical insight into human behaviour across the lifespan: why we are who we are, how we became that way, and how we are likely to end up in the future. In this unit, you will develop and apply knowledge of key underlying principles, theories and concepts in developmental psychology from a lifespan perspective. You will also develop and apply scientific knowledge of developmental processes in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial domains. You will explore the key themes that cut across the many and varied topics in lifespan developmental psychology, including issues of lifelong growth and development, nature vs. nurture, continuity within change, developmental diversity, and the importance of the social, historical, and cultural context in development. Throughout the unit, a scientific approach to the study of developmental psychology will be emphasised, and you will be encouraged to develop a critical and applied understanding of theory and research in developmental psychology.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
24 credit points including PSYC11010 or PSYC11008 or PSYC11009.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback SUTE
Students found the textbook clear and very relevant.
Continue integrating the current textbook into the unit.
Feedback from Student feedback SUTE
Students commented on some audio quality issues in the lecture videos.
Ensure audio quality of pre-recorded lectures are of a good standard, and videos are edited to maximise user experience.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator observation.
There is potential for students to use artificial intelligence software to aid completion of quiz.
Review the quizzes to minimise the use of artificial intelligence to complete the quizzes
- Apply and analyse the key principles, theories and concepts in lifespan developmental psychology.
- Describe key developmental processes and changes within each of the major domains of development from a lifespan perspective.
- Describe, apply and critically evaluate major research methods in developmental psychology.
- Describe and critically evaluate social, historical and cultural influences on development and developmental psychology.
This unit addresses Foundational Competencies as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The unit specifically aligns to the following APAC graduate competencies:
1.1 Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: i. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology; ii. individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality; iv. psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions; v. learning and memory; vi. cognition, language and perception; vii. motivation and emotion; viii. neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour; ix. lifespan developmental psychology; x. social psychology and xii. research methods and statistics.
1.2 Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.3 Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.4 Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
1.6 Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||
| 2 - Research Proposal - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Take Home Exam - 30% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Life Span Human Development
- Edition: 4th Australian New Zealand ed. (2021)
- Authors: Sigelman, C. K., De George, L., Cunial, K., Kohler, M., & Ballam, N.
- Cengage
- Australia
- ISBN: ISBN-10: 0170452816 ISBN-13: 9780170452816
- Binding: Paperback
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition 7th (Revised Edition) (2020)
- Edition: 7th (2020)
- Authors: American Psychological Association
- American Psychological Association
- ISBN: 978-1-4338-3216-1
- Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- CQUniversity Library Website (e-Journals)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
d.j.walker@cqu.edu.au
c.clarke2@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Understanding Life Span Human Development: Definitions, Issues and Theory
Chapter
Chapter 1 (pp. 1-15) and Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
The Science of Life Span Human Development
Chapter
Chapter 1 (pp. 15-43)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
The Interaction of Genetics and the Environment
Chapter
Chapter 3 (pp. 97-120)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Physical Growth and Development
Chapter
Chapter 3 (pp. 120-146) and Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Brain and Cognition
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 Due: Week 5 Friday (10 Apr 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Sensory-Perception, Attention and Memory
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
No scheduled classes or activities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Relationships Across the Lifespan
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Language Development
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Social Cognition and Moral Development
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 Due: Week 9 Friday (15 May 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Personality, Self and Gender
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Developmental Psychopathology
Chapter
Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Death and Dying
Chapter
Chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 3 Due: Exam Week Monday (8 Jun 2026) 5:00 pm AEST
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment task comprises three (3) quizzes to be completed and submitted online via the PSYC12010 Moodle site. Each quiz contains 40 multiple-choice questions (10 questions per topic). You will have 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete each quiz. Only one attempt per quiz is permitted.
Each quiz will be open for 1 week. Details of content and opening and closing dates are detailed below:
- Quiz 1 assesses topics 1 to 4. It opens Thursday of Week 4 (2nd April) at 9.00am AEST and closes Friday of Week 5 (10th April) at 5.00pm AEST.
- Quiz 2 assesses topics 5 to 8. It opens Friday of Week 8 (8th May) at 9.00am AEST and closes Friday of Week 9 (15th May) at 5.00pm AEST.
- Quiz 3 assesses topics 9 to 12. It opens Monday of Week 12 (1st June) at 9.00am AEST and closes Monday of the first Exam Week (8th June) at 5.00pm AEST.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to the quizzes as they are open for a week.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 1: It is not permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to assist you with this task.
3
Other
Quiz 1 closes Friday of Week 5 at 5.00pm (AEST). Quiz 2 closes Friday of Week 9 at 5.00pm (AEST). Quiz 3 closes Monday of the first Exam Week at 5.00pm (AEST). Dates listed above and on Moodle.
Quiz total marks will be returned to students immediately after each quiz is submitted. Feedback for each quiz question will be available after each quiz closes.
- For each quiz, one (1) mark will be awarded for each quiz question answered correctly.
- There is no negative marking penalty for incorrect answers.
- Each quiz is marked out of 40 and weighted at 10% of the final unit grade.
- Apply and analyse the key principles, theories and concepts in lifespan developmental psychology.
- Describe key developmental processes and changes within each of the major domains of development from a lifespan perspective.
- Describe, apply and critically evaluate major research methods in developmental psychology.
2 Research Proposal
This assessment task involves the preparation of a research proposal to investigate a topic within lifespan developmental psychology. Students will be required to select a research question on a topic in developmental psychology from two possible research questions. Students then need to design either a cross-sectional or longitudinal study to address the question based on their review of relevant literature and theory. Students should consider the major methods for studying development and select methodology that will provide information or data to answer the research question. The task involves considering the significance of their proposed research project in terms of its practical importance to the community or society, as well as its scientific contribution to existing theory and research in the chosen topic area.
The research proposal should be completed using the provided template on Moodle. It will comprise the following 5 sections:
- Background/literature review;
- Project aims and hypotheses;
- Methodology;
- Significance; and
- Ethical considerations.
The research proposal length is 1,500 words (acceptable range is 1,350 to 1,650 words). The word count includes everything in your submission except the title page (section 1 of the proposal template) and reference list. Tables and any figures or bullet points that might be used within the proposal will all contribute to the word count.
The research proposal topic choices, proposal template and marking rubric is available from the Assessment tile on the PSYC12010 Moodle site. Further support and task details will be discussed in class.
The 72-hour grace period does apply to this task. Submissions later than 72-hours must obtain an approved extension or be subject to a 5% per day penalty.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Please refer to the Moodle site for permissible uses of Generative AI tools for this assessment task. Remember that it is plagiarism to directly copy and paste material produced by Generative AI tools into assessments. For guidance on using Generative AI in assessments, please access the resources developed by the Academic Learning Centre (ALC): GenAI Student Resources (ALC) and Referencing Guidelines for Large Language Models or AI in Assignments (ALC). If you have questions about Generative AI material and plagiarism, please speak with your unit coordinator and/or contact an ALC advisor.
Week 10 Monday (18 May 2026) 9:00 am AEST
The 72-hour grace period applies to the submission date.
Marks and feedback will be available 2 to 3 weeks after the due date.
The following aspects of the written assessment will be marked using a rubric that provides detailed criteria for performance at each grade level. The marking rubric will be available from the Assessment tile on the PSYC12010 Moodle site.
1. Background and literature review (10 marks)
2. Aims and hypotheses (5 marks)
3. Significance (4 marks)
4. Methodology (10 marks)
5. Ethical considerations (4 marks)
6. Quality of written communication skills, presentation style and adherence to word count (5 marks)
7. Adherence to APA (7th ed.) referencing style (2 marks)
The research proposal will receive a total mark out of 40 and also has an overall weighting of 40%.
- Describe, apply and critically evaluate major research methods in developmental psychology.
- Describe and critically evaluate social, historical and cultural influences on development and developmental psychology.
3 Take Home Exam
- The take-home test will comprise 3 questions, each requiring a 'long answer' written response (approx. 500-600 words for each response).
- The instructions and test questions will be released on the PSYC12010 Moodle site on Friday, 29th May at 9.00am (AEST).
- You will complete the test offline in a Word document.
- You will have the weekend to complete the test and submit it via the designated submission portal on Moodle.
- The test response is due Monday, 1st June at 9.00am (AEST).
This means you will need to be available to complete the test between Friday, the 29th May and Monday, the 1st June. If you are unable to complete the test during the allocated time period, you will need to apply for an extension through Moodle before the test due date and attach appropriate documentary evidence. Due to academic integrity reasons, a later test period will be negotiated, and you will be given a different but equivalent set of test questions to complete under the same conditions.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to the take-home test, as it is already open for 72 hours.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 1: It is not permissible to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to assist you with this task.
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Grades will be released via Moodle approximately 2 weeks after submission.
Each question is worth 10 marks. Marks for each question will be based on the following criteria:
- 9 to 10 marks: a comprehensive and well-written response in which 90-100% of possible answer points are included.
- 7 to 8 marks: a good response in which 70-80% of possible answer points are included.
- 5 to 6 marks: an adequate response in which 50-60% of possible answer points are included.
- 3 to 4 marks: a limited response in which 30-40% of possible answer points are included.
- 1 to 2 marks: a very poor response in which 10-20% of possible answer points are included.
- 0 marks: no response or irrelevant response.
- Apply and analyse the key principles, theories and concepts in lifespan developmental psychology.
- Describe key developmental processes and changes within each of the major domains of development from a lifespan perspective.
- Describe and critically evaluate social, historical and cultural influences on development and developmental psychology.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
