What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?

The primary focus of developmental psychology is to explore changes in human beings throughout their lifespan. This field examines how people develop and change from infancy through old age, encompassing a wide range of aspects such as physical growth, cognitive development, emotional changes, and social behaviors. Developmental psychologists investigate how various influences, including genetics, environment, culture, and experiences, shape development at different stages of life.

This approach is comprehensive, recognizing that development is a continuous process that can be studied across various domains, such as moral reasoning, identity formation, and relationships. Understanding these changes helps psychologists identify patterns and influences that may impact an individual’s growth and development over time.

While the other choices involve important aspects of psychology, they do not capture the primary objective of developmental psychology as specifically as the exploration of human changes throughout the lifespan does.