What are the benefits to each age group?

Different methods are required to work with different age groups - I don't think there are universal pro's and con's for working with each group - it really depends on what you like. Something that is a pro for me in working with infants might b a con for you. Here are some thoughts on different age groups - you decide what you like and don't like:

• Infant Developmental Psychology (birth to age 2): these children can't talk and tell you what they are feeling, thinking, so working with them involves a lot of observation. You may use computers and other technology in observations, for example using imaging to observe the brain activity fo infants. If you graduate with a degree in infant development psychology, in addition to research, there are also positions available in day cares and preschools, as well as some social service agencies and hospitals.


• Early childhood developmental psychology (age 2 to 6): these children can talk, but often have very short attention spans, you so you have have to adjust the way you communicate so children can understand.


• School age children (age 7-11) :children in this age group are eager, competent, and ready to explore wider social networks. They can communicate relatively clearly


• Adolescent development (age 12-19): study focuses on normal development as well as risky behaviors


• Early adulthood (age 20-35): individuals of this age are typically healthy, but serious issues such as violence and depression are issues.


• Middle adulthood (age 36-64): will deal with issues of aging, and the associated emotional changes


• Late adulthood (age 65-): aging is a central focus; researchers study how genetics, education, diet, and the environment all play a part in diseases of aging such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, etc.