Developmental Psychology

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from developmental psychology, including theories, stages, and influences on development.

What does developmental psychology study?

It studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan.

What is meant by nature versus nurture in development?

It refers to how genetic inheritance interacts with our experiences to influence our development.

What are the three main types of parenting styles?

Authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative.

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process that involves associating an unconditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus to create a conditioned response.

What is the difference between collectivist and individualist cultures?

Collectivist cultures prioritize group goals over individual goals, while individualist cultures emphasize personal achievement and independence.

What is the rooting reflex?

A reflex that helps babies begin feeding by allowing them to latch onto the breast.

What is habituation in developmental contexts?

Decreasing responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated exposure to it.

How does Erik Erikson describe basic trust?

A sense of trust that develops when caregivers are consistent and responsive.

What role do plasticity and an enriched environment play in cognitive development?

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself, while enriched environments can lead to larger, more complex brain structures.

What are Piaget’s four stages of cognitive development?

Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.