Theoretical Perspectives in Developmental Psychology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts in developmental psychology, focusing on theories of development, research methods, and life span changes.

Developmental Psychology

The study of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes across the lifespan.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

A theory proposing 8 stages of development, each defined by a psychosocial conflict.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The conflict that occurs during infancy (first year of life).

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The conflict that occurs during infancy (1–3 years).

Initiative vs. Guilt

The conflict that occurs during early childhood (3–5 years).

Industry vs. Inferiority

The conflict that occurs during middle and late childhood.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

The conflict that occurs during adolescence.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The conflict that occurs during early adulthood.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The conflict that occurs during middle adulthood.

Integrity vs. Despair

The conflict that occurs during late adulthood.

Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory

A theory outlining stages of cognitive development from birth to adulthood.

Organization

One of the two basic processes in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.

Adaptation

The second basic process in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.

Sensorimotor Stage

The stage from birth to 2 years; coordinating sensory experiences with physical actions.

Object Permanence

The major cognitive achievement that occurs in the sensorimotor stage.

Preoperational Stage

The stage from ages 2–7; characterized by increased symbolic thinking using words and images.

Concrete Operational Stage

The stage from ages 7–11; allows logical reasoning about concrete events.

Formal Operational Stage

The stage from adolescence to adulthood; involves abstract and logical reasoning.

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

A theory suggesting that development is shaped by social interaction and culture.

Information Processing Theory

A theory that emphasizes how individuals manipulate, monitor, and strategize information.

Skinner’s Behaviorism

A theory stating that behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments (operant conditioning).

Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory

A theory asserting that development results from interactions between behavior, environment, and cognition.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching and imitating others.

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

A theory suggesting that early attachment is biologically based and affects development across life.

Sensitive Period

A time when certain experiences are essential for optimal development.

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory

A theory stating that development is influenced by multiple environmental systems.

Data Collection Methods

Common techniques include observation, self-reports, standardized tests, physiological measures.

Descriptive Research

Research that observes and records behavior.

Correlational Research

Research that examines relationships between variables.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation does not equal causation; relationships do not prove cause-and-effect.

Experimental Research

Research that manipulates variables to determine causation.

Cross-Sectional Design

Research comparing different ages at one point in time.

Longitudinal Design

Research that follows the same group over time.

Physical Developments in Infancy

Key developments include rapid growth, reflexes, and brain development.

Infant Reflexes

Examples include rooting and sucking reflexes.

Attachment

An emotional bond between infant and caregiver.

Cognitive Characteristics of Preschoolers

Include preoperational thinking, private speech, and theory of mind.

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have their own thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Characteristics of Middle Childhood

Characterized by concrete operational thinking and improved memory.

Key Psychosocial Task in Middle Childhood

Industry vs. Inferiority.

Major Cognitive Change in Adolescence

Formal operational thinking.

Key Psychosocial Task of Adolescence

Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Characteristics of Young Adulthood

Peak physical abilities and intimacy vs. isolation.

Characteristics of Middle Adulthood

Generativity, expertise, and gradual physical decline.

Characteristics of Older Adulthood

Integrity vs. despair, life satisfaction, personality stability.

Gene–Environment Interaction

The interaction where genes and environment influence development together.

Types of Gene–Environment Correlations

Include passive, evocative, and active correlations.

Epigenesis

The process by which genes are expressed in increasingly complex ways.

Plasticity

The capacity to change in response to experience.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity

Continuity involves gradual change; discontinuity involves stages.

Stability vs. Change

Stability refers to consistency over time; change refers to variation.

Reciprocal Development

The idea that individuals and environments influence each other.

Active Role in Development

Individuals shape their own development through choices and actions.