Midterm Review: Key Terms, Theories, and Developmental Concepts

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the instructor's midterm review lecture, covering foundational research terms, life course perspectives, genetics and prenatal considerations, attachment behaviors, and early childhood concepts.

Paradigm

One of the four foundational scientific terms highlighted from the first modules of readings that students must know for the exam.

Theory

A primary framework of ideas from the early reading modules associated with key discipline figures such as Freud, Piaget, and Erikson.

Hypothesis

One of the four essential introductory terms identified from the initial course readings to review for the midterm.

Concept

A fundamental building block of knowledge and one of the four key terms designated from the first reading modules.

Cohort

A key concept from the life course perspective lectures referring to a group of individuals sharing a common demographic or temporal experience.

Trajectory

A life course perspective term that refers to a long-term pathway or pattern of development over time.

Life event

A significant occurrence or happening highlighted in life course perspective readings and lectures.

Turning point

A life course term describing a critical event or realization that causes a significant shift or alteration in the direction of a person's life trajectory.

Resilience

The capacity of a client to successfully navigate adversity or challenging situations, evaluated in relation to their protective factors.

Protective factors

The strengths, supports, and resources that a client possesses which enable them to manage difficulties and maintain resilience.

Doula

A professional providing non-medical support during pregnancy and birth, cited as an alternative to traditional medical pathways.

Transitional object

An item—such as a blanket, stuffed animal, or "lovie"—used by toddlers as a proxy to ease separation from a caregiver.

Attachment theory (Bowlby / "Oby")

A theoretical framework focused on infancy and parent-child bonds, examining behaviors such as clinging, crying, and proximity seeking.

Sociodramatic play

A form of early childhood play involving social role-playing and pretend scenarios.

Gross motor skills

Physical abilities involving large muscle groups and whole-body movements during early childhood development.

Fine motor skills

Physical abilities involving small muscle movements and precise hand-eye coordination in early childhood.

Authoritarian parenting

A parenting style characterized by strict rules, high demands, and low responsiveness that students must be able to identify by definition and characteristics.

Authoritative parenting

A parenting style marked by high expectations balanced with warmth, responsiveness, and open communication.

Permissive parenting

A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness but few demands, boundaries, or disciplinary controls.