Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

pt. I. The beginnings -- 1. Introduction -- Defining development -- Zooming in and zooming out -- Applying the scientific method -- Cautions from science -- 2. Theories of development -- Grand theories -- Emergent theories -- Useful application of theories -- 3. Heredity and environment -- The genetic code -- Sex, multiple births, and fertility -- From one cell to many -- Genotype and phenotype -- Chromosomal and genetic abnormalities -- Genetic counseling and testing -- 4. Prenatal development and birth -- From zygote to newborn -- Risk reduction -- Birth -- pt. II. The first two years -- 5. The first two years : biosocial development -- Body changes -- Brain development -- Sensation and movement -- Public health measures -- 6. The first two years : cognitive development -- Sensorimotor intelligence -- Information processing -- Language : what develops in the first two years? -- 7. The first two years : psychosocial development -- Emotional development -- Theories of infant psychosocial development -- The development of social bonds -- Conclusions in theory and in practice -- pt. III. Early childhood -- 8. Early childhood : biosocial development -- Body changes -- Brain development -- Improved motor skills -- In juries and abuse -- 9. Early childhood : cognitive development -- Piaget and Vygotsky -- Children's theories -- Language -- Early-childhood education -- 10. Early childhood : psychosocial development -- Emotional development -- Play -- Challenges for parents -- Moral development -- Becoming boys and girls -- pt. IV. Middle childhood -- 11. Middle childhood : biosocial development -- A healthy time -- Two common health problems -- Brain development -- Children with special needs -- 12. Middle childhood : cognitive development -- Building on theory -- Language -- Teaching and learning -- 13. Middle childhood : psychosocial development -- The nature of the child -- Families and children -- The peer group -- Children's moral codes -- pt. V. Adolescence -- 14. Adolescence : biosocial development -- Puberty begins -- Nutrition -- The transformations of puberty -- Health hazards -- 15. Adolescence : cognitive development -- Neurological development -- Adolescent thinking -- Teaching and learning -- 16. Adolescence : psychosocial development -- Identity -- Relationships with elders and peers -- Sexuality -- Sadness and anger -- Epilogue. Emerging adulthood -- Biosocial development -- Cognitive development -- Psychosocial development -- Appendix A. Supplemental charts, graphs, and tables -- Appendix B. More about research methods -- Appendix C. Suggestions for research assignments -- Glossary -- References -- Name index -- Subject index.