Child Development Psych 2AA3

Complete All weeks

What is the main question posed by the continuity theme in developmental psychology?

Can we predict who a baby will become?

What are the two perspectives within the continuity theme?

Development can be continuous (gradual growth) or discontinuous (distinct stages).

What is an example of continuous development?

Cognitive ability development with small gains over time.

What is an example of discontinuous development?

Piaget’s theory with stages like sensorimotor and preoperational.

What is an example of a continuity vs. discontinuity debate?

Whether learning math skills happens gradually or through specific leaps in understanding.

What is the key question posed by the nature vs. nurture theme?

Do our genes or environment dictate who we become?

What does nativism emphasize in the nature vs. nurture debate?

The role of genes in determining traits.

Who is an example of a nativist, and what was his controversial movement?

Francis Galton, Eugenics.

What was the goal of Eugenics?

To improve the human race through selective breeding and practices like forced sterilization.

What does empiricism emphasize in the nature vs. nurture debate?

The role of environment in shaping traits.

What are some examples of empiricism in psychology?

Classical and operant conditioning by John Watson and B.F. Skinner.

How does the example of Kate Hudson relate to nature vs. nurture?

Her talent is influenced by both her genes and upbringing.

What is the focus of the active child theme?

How children influence their own development.

What is an example of the active child theme?

Harry Potter being shaped by his motivations despite his background.

What are the implications of the active child theme?

Children's choices, like joining group activities, affect their learning and stress levels.

What does the biological perspective in developmental psychology focus on?

Biological maturation controlled by DNA.

What are examples of the biological perspective?

Nativism and neuroscience.

What did Freud emphasize in the psychodynamic perspective?

The unconscious mind and instinctual drives influencing behavior.

What did Erikson emphasize in the psychodynamic perspective?

Resolving social challenges across life stages, such as forming identity during adolescence.

What is the main idea of the learning perspective?

Behavior is shaped by classical and operant conditioning.

Who are key influencers of the learning perspective?

John Watson and B.F. Skinner.

What is the focus of the cognitive perspective?

Intellectual capacities and stages of cognitive development.

Who developed the stages of cognitive development theory?

Jean Piaget.

What do information processing theories focus on?

Intellectual capacities and gradual mental development.

What is the focus of the contextual perspective?

Social interactions and studying development within a broader context.

Who is a major proponent of the contextual perspective?

Vygotsky.

What did Vygotsky emphasize about development?

It occurs through social interactions and the context of relationships.

What are the three key themes in developmental psychology?

They are continuity vs. discontinuity, nature vs. nurture, and the active child.

What does the theme of continuity ask?

It asks if development is gradual and continuous or occurs in distinct stages.

Give an example of continuous development.

Cognitive ability development with small gains over time.

Give an example of discontinuous development.

Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which includes distinct stages like sensorimotor and preoperational.

What is an example debate related to continuity?

Whether math skills develop gradually or through stage-like leaps in understanding.

What question does the nature vs. nurture theme explore?

Do genes or the environment play a bigger role in development?

What does nativism emphasize?

Nativism emphasizes the role of genes in determining traits.

Who was Francis Galton, and what was he known for?

He was a proponent of Eugenics, which aimed to improve the human race through selective breeding.

What was a controversial practice associated with Eugenics?

Forced sterilization to control genetic traits.

What does empiricism focus on?

Empiricism focuses on how the environment shapes traits and behaviors.

What is an example of nature and nurture influencing development?

Kate Hudson's talent as an actress influenced by both her genes and upbringing.

What is the key idea of the active child theme?

Children play a role in shaping their own development.

How can children influence their development?

By choosing hobbies, friends, or activities that shape their personality and future.

What is the biological perspective in developmental psychology?

It states that development is driven by biological maturation controlled by DNA.

What is the psychodynamic perspective?

It focuses on unconscious drives and social challenges throughout life.

How did Freud and Erikson differ in their approaches?

Freud focused on instinctual drives, while Erikson emphasized resolving social challenges at various life stages.

What is the learning perspective?

It explains behavior through conditioning, rewards, and punishments.

Who were major figures in the learning perspective?

John Watson and B.F. Skinner.

What is the cognitive perspective?

It explores intellectual development through theories like Piaget's stages or information processing.

What does the contextual perspective emphasize?

It focuses on how development occurs through social interactions and context.

Who is associated with the contextual perspective?

Lev Vygotsky, who emphasized the role of social interaction in development.