Human Development

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terminology from the Human Development lecture.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how behavior and mental processes change over time, including individual differences in development.

Post Hoc Fallacy

The false assumption that because one event occurs before another, the first event must have caused the second.

Bidirectional Influences

Continuous, reciprocal interactions between the individual and their environment, where both shape and are shaped by each other.

Cross-sectional design

A research method that examines different people at different ages at the same time.

Longitudinal design

A research method that examines development in the same group of people on multiple occasions over time.

Infant Determinism

The misconception that early experiences have a profound influence on later development.

Childhood Fragility

The misconception that children are more vulnerable to stress and adverse experiences than they actually are.

Gene-environment interaction

The phenomenon where the effects of genes on behavior depend on the environment in which the behavior develops.

Nature via nurture

The idea that genetic predispositions can lead individuals to select and create particular environments.

Gene expression

The process by which specific genes are activated in response to environmental events.

Germinal stage

The initial stage of prenatal development where the zygote divides to form a blastocyst.

Embryonic stage

The stage of prenatal development where major organs and body parts begin to take form.

Fetal stage

The stage of prenatal development characterized by the final maturation of the major organs and growth of the fetus.

Teratogens

Environmental factors that can negatively impact prenatal development, such as drugs or alcohol.

Infant Motor Development

The development of motor behaviors in infants, including reflexes necessary for survival.

Puberty

The biological transition during adolescence characterized by the achievement of sexual maturation.

Primary sex characteristics

Physical features such as reproductive organs that distinguish males and females.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty but are not directly related to reproduction.

Physical Peak in Early 20s

The period where individuals typically reach their highest levels of strength, coordination, and sensory processes.

Decline in Physical Abilities

The gradual decrease in physical capabilities that begins shortly after reaching peak physical condition.