Untitled Flashcards Set

Nature/Nurture

The debate on whether genetics or environment contributes more to human development.

Cross-sectional study

A research method that compares individuals of different ages at the same time.

Longitudinal study

A research method that follows the same individuals over a period of time.

Physical developmental milestones of infancy

Key physical skills that typically develop during the first year of life.

Critical period

A time frame during which certain skills are most readily acquired.

Teratogens

Agents that can reach the embryo and cause harm.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

A condition in babies caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy.

Infant reflexes

Automatic responses important for motor development that disappear by 6 months.

Rooting reflex

An infant's instinct to turn their head toward touch and seek nourishment.

Swallowing reflex

An infant's ability to swallow without choking.

Babinski reflex

A reflex in infants where the toes splay when the foot is stroked.

Moro reflex

A reflex where infants flail their arms in response to falling.

Visual cliff

A test for depth perception in infants at around 6 months.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

Jean Piaget

A pioneering psychologist best known for his theory of cognitive development.

Schemas

Mental frameworks for organizing and interpreting information.

Assimilation

The process of incorporating new experiences into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adjusting existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Sensorimotor stage

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development, from birth to 2 years.

Object permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen.

Stranger anxiety

The fear of strangers that develops around 8 months.

Separation anxiety

The fear or distress when separated from a primary caregiver, typically around 12 months.

Preoperational stage

Piaget's second stage of cognitive development, from 2 to 6 years.

Irreversibility

The inability to understand that actions can be reversed.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape.

Animism

Attributing feelings and life to inanimate objects.

Artificialism

The belief that everything is made by people.

Egocentrism

The inability to see things from perspectives other than one's own.

Theory of mind

The ability to understand that others have different thoughts and feelings.

Concrete operational stage

Piaget's third stage of cognitive development, from 6 to 12 years.

Formal operational stage

Piaget's fourth stage, beginning at around 12 years, involving abstract thinking.

Vygotsky

A psychologist known for his sociocultural theory of development.

Zone of proximal development

The difference between what a child can do independently and with guidance.

Scaffolding

Support given to a child that is tailored to their needs.

Language

A system of communication using sounds, symbols, and gestures.

Phonics

Basic sounds that letters and combinations make.

Morphemes

Smallest units of meaning in a language.

Words

Sounds or symbols that convey meaning in communication.

Grammar

The system of rules that governs the structure of language.

Syntax

The rules that determine the structure and order of words in sentences.

Semantics

The study of meaning in language.

Language acquisition

The process by which humans learn to communicate using language.

Cooing

The early vowel-like sounds made by infants, typically around 6-8 weeks.

Babbling

The speech-like but meaningless sounds made by infants, starting at about 4 months.

One word stage

A stage where children use single words to communicate meaning.

Telegraphic stage

A stage where children combine two words to convey ideas.

Overgeneralization of grammar rules

When children incorrectly apply grammatical rules to words that are exceptions.

Erik Erikson

Psychologist known for his theory of psychosocial development.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first stage of development where infants learn to trust caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson's second stage, where toddlers learn to do things independently.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third stage, where preschoolers assert control and power.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage, where school-aged children develop a sense of pride.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage, where adolescents form their identity.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage focused on forming intimate relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage where adults contribute to society.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage, reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret.

ACES

Adverse Childhood Experiences that impact emotional and social development.

Ecological systems theory

The theory that emphasizes the multiple influences on an individual's development from various systems.

Chronosystem

The dimension of time in ecological systems theory.

Macrosystem

The cultural context in which development occurs.

Exosystem

The indirect environment that affects a child.

Mesosystem

The interconnections between different microsystems.

Microsystem

The immediate environments that a person interacts with.

Parenting styles

Different approaches to raising children.

Authoritarian parenting

A style that emphasizes rules and obedience.

Permissive parenting

A style characterized by leniency and few demands.

Authoritative parenting

A balanced style combining demands with responsiveness.

Imprinting

A process where certain animals form attachments during a critical period.

Attachments

The emotional bonds formed between children and caregivers.

Attachment theory

The framework for understanding how early relationships influence emotional development.

Secure attachment

A strong emotional bond where infants feel safe to explore.

Insecure attachment

A bond where infants cling to parents and show anxiety.

Avoidant attachment

A style where infants avoid contact with parents.

Anxious attachment

A style characterized by uncertainty about caregiver availability.

Disorganized attachment

An attachment style marked by confusion and lack of a clear strategy.

Temperament

The innate aspects of an individual's personality.

Easy babies

Infants that readily adjust to new situations and are generally cheerful.

Difficult babies

Infants slow to adjust and often have a negative disposition.

Slow to warm up babies

Infants who may initially resist new experiences but gradually adapt.

Comfort contact

The physical comfort from touch that enhances mood and security.

Parallel play

When children play alongside each other without interaction.

Pretend play

Creative play involving imagination and role-playing.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation that starts in adolescence.

Gender

The roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female.

Sex

The biological classification of individuals as male or female.

Intersex

A condition where an individual has both male and female physical characteristics.

X chromosome

A sex chromosome present in both males and females.

Y chromosome

A sex chromosome typically found in males.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that influences development.

Estrogens

Hormones that contribute to female physical characteristics.

Primary sex characteristics

The reproductive organs directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics

Traits that develop during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation in males, marking the onset of puberty.

Menarche

The first menstrual period in females, signaling puberty.

Role

The expected behavior associated with a particular social status.

Gender roles

Societal expectations regarding behaviors considered appropriate for males and females.

Social Learning Theory

A theory stating that learning occurs through observing and imitating others.

Gender identity

An individual's personal sense of their gender.

Gender typing

The process through which children learn the behaviors expected of their gender.

Adolescence

The developmental stage between childhood and adulthood.