Chapter 1 development

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of ways in which people change and remain the same from conception to death.

Lifespan Development

The examination of development across a person's entire life, from infancy through late adulthood.

Physical Development

Changes in height, weight, sensory capabilities, and physical health that occur over the lifespan.

Cognitive Development

The changes in thinking, problem-solving, memory, and language throughout the lifespan.

Psychosocial Development

The changes in emotions, self-perception, and relationships with others over the course of life.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate concerning the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on human development.

Stage Theories

Theories that propose development occurs in distinct stages, each characterized by different abilities and qualities.

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

Eight developmental stages proposed by Erik Erikson, each characterized by a psychosocial crisis.

Plasticity

The capacity to change in response to experiences, indicating that many characteristics can be modified.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A measure of an individual's or family's economic and social position based on education, income, and occupation.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others, which can hinder understanding of different cultural practices.

Lifespan vs. Life Expectancy

Lifespan refers to the maximum duration of life possible for a species, while life expectancy is the average number of years a person can expect to live based on current statistical data.

Cross-sectional Research

A research design that compares individuals of different ages at a single point in time.

Longitudinal Research

A research design that studies the same group of individuals over an extended period to observe changes.

Cohort Effect

Differences in experiences or attitudes among individuals born in different time periods.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

A framework that considers the multiple influences on human development from different systems ranging from immediate settings to broader cultural contexts.

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they're learned through interaction with the environment.

Social Learning Theory

A theory proposed by Albert Bandura that emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of others.