3.1-2a Prenatal, Infancy,and Childhoid

Developmental Psychology

The study of physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

Nature vs Nurture Debate

The discussion regarding the relative importance of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in human development.

Continuity vs Stages Debate

The argument about whether development is a gradual, continuous process or if it occurs in distinct stages.

Stability vs Change Debate

The discussion on whether personality traits remain stable through life or change with age.

Prenatal Development

The process of development that occurs from conception until birth.

Zygote

The stage of prenatal development from conception to 2 weeks.

Embryo

The stage of prenatal development from 2 to 9 weeks.

Fetus

The stage of prenatal development from 9 weeks to birth.

Placenta

An organ that provides nourishment and oxygen to the embryo and fetus.

Teratogens

Chemicals and viruses that can cause harm during prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive abnormalities caused by a pregnant woman's consumption of alcohol.

Rooting Reflex

An infant's reflex that occurs when their cheek is touched, leading them to turn their head and root for a nipple.

Habituation

The process of decreasing responsiveness to repeated stimulation.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior.

Motor Development

The progression of physical abilities such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, and running.

Infantile Amnesia

The inability to retrieve memories from before the age of 3 ½ years due to insufficient brain maturation.