Lifespan Development Pre-Semester Flashcards

What is developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology is the study of how people change and grow throughout their lives, from conception through death.

What areas does developmental psychology examine?

Developmental psychology examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes throughout the lifespan.

What is physical development in the context of developmental psychology?

Physical development refers to changes in the body, including height, growth, motor skills, and physical abilities.

Can you give examples of physical development?

Examples include how infants learn to walk, how teenagers grow during puberty, and how elderly adults experience physical changes.

What is cognitive development?

Cognitive development refers to changes in the brain and mental abilities, such as language, intelligence, memory, and thinking skills.

Can you provide examples of cognitive development?

Examples include how infants learn language, how children develop problem-solving skills, and how adults manage complex information.

What is socioemotional development?

Socioemotional development refers to changes in a person's interactions with others and their self-understanding.

What are some examples of socioemotional development?

Examples include how infants form attachments to caregivers, how children develop friendships, and how adults navigate relationships.

What is moral development?

Moral development refers to changes in how a person perceives right from wrong as they mature.

Can you give an example of moral development?

An example would be understanding sharing; why a 3-year-old may not grasp the concept, while older children develop their own moral code.

Why is understanding developmental psychology important for nurses?

It helps nurses provide holistic patient care by addressing unique physical, emotional, and cognitive needs at different life stages.

What is a theory in the context of human development?

A theory is a coherent group of ideas that helps explain phenomena in human development and can be tested and proven wrong.

Why do multiple theories matter in understanding human development?

No single theory explains everything; each provides a unique perspective on different aspects of development.

What are psychoanalytic theories?

Psychoanalytic theories focus on emotional development, unconscious motivations, and psychological stages.

Who are the key theorists associated with psychoanalytic theories?

Key theorists include Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson.

What are Freud’s psychosexual stages of development?

Freud's stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.

What is Erikson's psychosocial theory?

Erikson's theory includes 8 stages from birth to old age, where each stage involves resolving a psychological conflict.

What are cognitive theories in developmental psychology?

Cognitive theories focus on how thinking and intelligence develop over time.

Who are the key theorists associated with cognitive theories?

Key theorists include Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.

Can you describe Piaget's stages of cognitive development?

Piaget's stages include Sensorimotor (0-2 years), Preoperational (2-7 years), Concrete operational (7-11 years), and Formal operational (11+ years).

What is Vygotsky's contribution to cognitive development?

Vygotsky emphasized that learning is social and that culture and interaction shape cognitive development.

What are behavioral theories?

Behavioral theories focus on how the environment and learning shape behavior.

Who are the key theorists for behavioral theories?

Key theorists include Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner.

What is classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning is learning through association, as demonstrated by Pavlov’s experiments with dogs.

What is operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning is the concept that behavior is shaped by consequences like rewards and punishments.

What is social cognitive theory?

Social cognitive theory focuses on how people learn through observation and imitation.

Who is the key theorist for social cognitive theory?

Albert Bandura is the key theorist associated with social cognitive theory.

What is ecological theory?

Ecological theory examines how family, community, and culture impact development.

Who are the key theorists associated with ecological theory?

Key theorists include Urie Bronfenbrenner and John Bowlby.

What are the different research methods in psychology?

Common research methods include Observation, Experiments, Surveys/Interviews, Case Studies, Longitudinal Studies, and Cross-Sectional Studies.

What is the advantage of observational research?

Observational research allows for real-world behavior to be studied in natural settings.

What is the disadvantage of observational research?

The main disadvantage is that it cannot establish cause and effect.

What is an advantage of experiments in psychological research?

Experiments can prove cause and effect in controlled settings.

What is a disadvantage of experiments?

Experiments may not reflect real-world situations.

What is a case study?

A deep examination of one individual or group.

What is a key advantage of case studies?

They provide rich, detailed information about complex issues.

What is a disadvantage of case studies?

The findings cannot be easily generalized to the broader population.

What are longitudinal studies?

Studies that involve following the same individuals over time to track changes and development.

What is an advantage and disadvantage of longitudinal studies?

Advantage: They track changes and development. Disadvantage: They are time-consuming and expensive.

What are cross-sectional studies?

Studies that compare different age groups at one time.

What is an advantage and disadvantage of cross-sectional studies?

Advantage: Quick and efficient. Disadvantage: May reflect generational differences, not true development.

What are twin studies in behavior genetics used for?

They are used to explore the importance of genetic versus environmental influences on behavior.

What happens during the germinal period of prenatal development?

Pregnancy begins with the joining of sperm and egg, forming a zygote, and rapid cell division occurs.

Why is the germinal period important?

It lays the foundation for future development; if implantation fails, pregnancy ends.

What occurs during the embryonic period?

Organ development starts, cell division increases, and the major organs begin to form.

Why is the embryonic period called the 'Period of Organogenesis'?

Most major organs form during this critical and vulnerable stage.

What is the fetal period in prenatal development?

The period where rapid growth continues, and major organs are already formed.

What are teratogens?

Teratogens are any agents that can cause birth defects during prenatal development.

What are common teratogens?

Common teratogens include substances like alcohol and nicotine, certain medications, environmental pollutants, and maternal health issues.

What is the role of prenatal care?

Prenatal care is essential for reducing teratogen exposure, monitoring fetal development, and addressing maternal health.

What factors are considered in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Nature refers to genetics, while nurture encompasses environmental influences such as experiences and relationships.

What is the interaction between genes and environment in development?

Both work together; genes provide a foundation while environmental factors influence whether potential is expressed.

Why is it important to assess both genetic and environmental factors in nursing?

Nurses should assess both genetic and environmental aspects to gain a comprehensive understanding of patient development.