AP Psychology: Lifespan Development

Behavior Genetics

Study of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

Environment

Nongenetic influences on behavior

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures made of DNA containing genes

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Complex molecule containing genetic information

Genes

Biochemical units of heredity on chromosomes

Genome

Complete instructions for making an organism

Identical Twins (Monozygotic Twins)

Develop from a single fertilized egg, genetically identical

Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic Twins)

Develop from separate fertilized eggs, share prenatal environment

Temperament

Person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Heritability

Proportion of variation in a trait attributed to genes

Molecular genetics

Study of molecular structure and function of genes

Molecular behavior genetics

Study of how genes and environment interact to influence behavior

Epigenetics

Study of environmental influences on gene expression without DNA change

Evolutionary Psychology

Study of behavior and mind evolution using natural selection

Natural selection

Principle that inherited traits contributing to survival are passed on

Mutation

Random error in gene replication leading to change

Social script

Culturally modeled guide for behavior in various situations

Interaction

Interplay when one factor's effect depends on another factor

Culture

Enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and values shared by a group

Norm

Understood rule for accepted and expected behavior

Individualism

Priority to personal goals over group goals

Collectivism

Priority to group goals over personal goals

Sex

Biologically influenced characteristics defining males and females

Gender

Socially influenced characteristics defining men and women

Aggression

Physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone

Relational Aggression

Aggression intended to harm a person's relationship or social standing

X-chromosome

Sex chromosome found in both men and women

Y-chromosome

Sex chromosome found only in males

Testosterone

Male sex hormone stimulating male sex organs and characteristics

Puberty

Period of sexual maturation and reproductive capability

Primary sex characteristics

Body structures enabling sexual reproduction

Secondary sex characteristics

Nonreproductive sexual traits, differing between genders

Spermarche

First ejaculation in males

Menarche

First menstrual period in females

Disorder of sexual development

Condition involving unusual sex chromosome and anatomy development

Role

Expectations about behavior in a social position

Gender role

Expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for males or females

Gender identity

Sense of being male, female, or a combination of both

Social learning theory

Theory that we learn social behavior through observation and imitation

Gender typing

Acquisition of traditional masculine or feminine role

Androgyny

Displaying both traditional masculine and feminine characteristics

Transgender

People whose gender identity differs from birth sex

Developmental Psychology

Study of physical, cognitive, and social change throughout life

Zygote

Fertilized egg undergoing rapid cell division

Embryo

Developing human organism from 2 weeks to 2 months after fertilization

Fetus

Developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth

Teratogens

Agents that can harm the embryo or fetus during prenatal development

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive abnormalities caused by maternal alcohol consumption

Habituation

Decreasing responsiveness to repeated stimulation

Maturation

Biological growth processes influencing behavior

Cognition

Mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

Schema

Concept or framework organizing and interpreting information

Assimilation

Interpreting new experiences based on existing schemas

Accommodation

Adapting existing schemas to incorporate new information

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's stage (birth to 2 years) understanding world through senses and actions

Object Permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist when not perceived

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's stage (2 to 6-7 years) using language but not comprehending mental operations

Conservation

Understanding that properties remain the same despite changes in object form

Egocentrism

Difficulty taking another's point of view

Theory of Mind

Understanding others' mental states and predicting behavior

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's stage (7 to 11 years) thinking logically about concrete events

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's stage (from age 12) thinking logically about abstract concepts

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Childhood disorder with communication and social interaction deficiencies

Stranger Anxiety

Infant's fear of strangers, commonly displayed around 8 months

Attachment

Emotional tie with another person, seeking closeness and showing distress on separation

Critical Period

Optimal period for normal development due to exposure to certain stimuli

Imprinting

Process by which certain animals form strong attachments during early life

Basic Trust

Sense that the world is predictable and trustworthy, formed during infancy

Self-concept

Thoughts and feelings about oneself

Authoritarian Parenting

Coercive parenting style with strict rules and obedience

Permissive Parenting

Unrestraining parenting style with few demands and little punishment

Authoritative Parenting

Confrontive parenting style with rules and open discussion

Adolescence

Transition period from childhood to adulthood

Identity

Sense of self, solidified through testing and integrating various roles

Social Identity

Part of self-concept derived from group memberships

Intimacy

Ability to form close, loving relationships

Emerging Adulthood

Period between adolescence and full independence as adults

Menopause

Cessation of menstruation and decline in reproductive ability

Cross-sectional study

Comparison of people of different ages

Longitudinal study

Research on the same people over a long period

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs)

Acquired disorders marked by cognitive deficits

Alzheimer's disease

Neurocognitive disorder with progressive decline in memory and cognition

Social clock

Culturally preferred timing of social events