This life-span development text, known for its clear, authoritative writing style and its solid research orientation, offers a topical organization at the chapter level and a consistent chronological presentation within each chapter. Each chapter focuses on a domain of development such as physical growth, cognition, or personality and traces developmental trends and influences in that domain from infancy to old age. Within each developmental chapter, you will find sections on four life stages: Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood. This unique organization enables students to comprehend the processes of transformation that occur within the many areas of human development. New co-author Elizabeth Rider brings to this edition her expertise in cognitive development and gender issues. Additional enhancements include a stronger emphasis on biological and cultural influences, a new four-color design, and an improved pedagogical plan.