WebQuest 2: Developmental Psychology WebQuest

Objective: Students will be able to identify the stages of developmental theory by factors
such as age, gender, sexuality, and gender identity.

Introduction:

Developmental psychology is the study of how people change and grow throughout their
lives. It is a broad field that encompasses many different aspects of human development,
including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

One of the most important concepts in developmental psychology is the stage theory of
development. Stage theories propose that people develop through a series of distinct stages,
each of which is characterized by different patterns of behavior and thought.

There are many different stage theories of development, but some of the most well-known
include:

 Piaget's theory of cognitive development

 Erikson's theory of psychosocial development
 Gilligan's theory of moral development
 Kohlberg's theory of moral development

Task:

In this WebQuest, you will learn about the stages of developmental theory by exploring the
work of four different theorists: Piaget, Erikson, Gilligan, and Kohlberg. You will also learn
about how factors such as age, gender, sexuality, and gender identity can influence human
development.

Process:

1. Begin by visiting the following websites to learn about the stages of developmental
theory according to each theorist:

o Piaget: https://www.verywellmind.com/piagets-stages-of-cognitive-
development-2795457

o Erikson: https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-
psychosocial-development-2795740
 o Gilligan: https://lfkkb.tripod.com/eng24/gilliganstheory.html

o Kohlberg: https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-
development-2795071

2. As you read about each theorist, take notes on the following:

o The different stages of development

o The key characteristics of each stage
3. Once you have finished reading about each theorist, complete the following activities:

o Task 1: Create a chart that compares and contrasts the different stages of
development according to Piaget, Erikson, Gilligan, and Kohlberg.
Point of Piaget Erikson Gilligan Kohlberg
Comparison

OR

Approximate
Age Range

o With the above comparison in mind, determine how factors such as

age, gender, sexuality, and gender identity can influence development.
 o Task 2: Write an essay of 1000 words in which you describe each
developmental theory and explain how factors such as
age, gender, sexuality, and gender identity can influence development. Be sure
to support your claims with evidence from the websites you visited.
o Make sure that you follow the MLA format, include intext citation and cited
work in the final essay

Evaluation:

Your work will be evaluated on the following criteria:

 Accuracy and completeness of your notes and chart

 Clarity and insightfulness of your essay

Conclusion:

This WebQuest has helped you to learn about the stages of developmental theory and how
factors such as age, gender, sexuality, and gender identity can influence human development.
You have also had the opportunity to practice your research, writing, and critical thinking
skills.

Additional Resources:

 https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-
family-studies/resources/stages-of-human-development/
 https://www.simplypsychology.org/developmental-psychology.html
 https://measureofamerica.org/human-development/