Human Growth and Development Module 1

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture or ethnicity is superior to others, often leading to prejudice and discrimination. It can influence perceptions in various contexts, including developmental psychology.

Lifespan

The perspective that considers one's own culture as the standard, often leading to the evaluation of other cultures based on that standard.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person is expected to live based on statistical averages for a population, influenced by various factors including health, lifestyle, and environment.

Prenatal Development

The stage of development that occurs from conception until birth, encompassing the formation and growth of the fetus in the womb.

Teratogens

Agents or factors that cause malformation of an embryo or fetus during pregnancy, such as drugs, infections, or environmental toxins.

Nature

The inherent qualities, characteristics, and genetic makeup of individuals that influence their development and behavior, often contrasted with the effects of nurture.

Nurture

The environmental factors and experiences that influence an individual's development, including upbringing, culture, and life experiences.

Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes the importance of culture and interaction in the development of cognitive abilities

Ecological Systems Theory

Provides a framework for understanding and studying the many influences on human development

Microsystem

The individual's setting and those who have direct, significant contact with the person, such as parents or siblings.

Mesosystem

Includes the larger organizational structures, such as school, the family, or religion.

Exosystem

Includes the larger contexts of community.

Macrosystem

Includes the cultural elements

Chronosystem

The historical context in which these experiences occur