This document provides an overview of the study of human development from several perspectives. It discusses recurring issues like nature vs nurture and continuity vs discontinuity. It also outlines major developmental theories including psychodynamic, behaviorist, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Key theorists discussed include Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Bronfenbrenner. The document emphasizes that development results from interacting biological, psychological, and social processes and is influenced by environmental and cultural contexts over the lifespan.