Chapter 9: Lifespan Development

What influences the adult we become according to William Wordsworth?

Our childhood experiences greatly influence who we become as adults.

What are the three primary areas of focus in Lifespan Development?

Physical Development, Cognitive Development, and Psychosocial Development.

What does Naturalistic Observation involve?

Watching people in their regular daily environment without controlling their behavior.

What is a Case Study?

A detailed analysis of a single person to understand individual changes, though it can be biased.

What are Surveys in developmental psychology?

Asking people to report on their thoughts and experiences, reaching many people quickly.

What are Experiments used for in research?

Controlled tests to see how one thing affects another, requiring careful setup.

What is the Normative Approach to Development?

It identifies what is considered normal at different ages across various development areas.

What is Continuous Development?

Development that happens gradually over time.

What is Discontinuous Development?

Development that occurs in distinct stages.

What does the term Nature vs. Nurture refer to?

The debate on the roles of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in shaping individuals.

What is the Achievement Gap?

Differences in school performance among students from various backgrounds.

How does socioeconomic status affect academic performance?

Children from low-income families generally perform worse due to less early language exposure and educational support.

What did Sigmund Freud's Psychosexual Theory emphasize?

Personality develops during early childhood and is influenced by childhood experiences.

What are the stages in Freud's Psychosexual Development?

Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital.

What happens if a child lacks proper nurturing during a psychosexual stage?

They may become stuck in that stage.

How did Erik Erikson modify Freud's theory?

He focused on social aspects of development as opposed to just childhood.

What is the first stage in Erikson's Psychosocial Development?

Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1 year); developing trust based on caregiver response.

What are the stages in Erikson’s Psychosocial Development?

Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority, Identity vs. Role Confusion, Intimacy vs. Isolation, Generativity vs. Stagnation, Integrity vs. Despair.

What does Jean Piaget focus on in his Cognitive Theory of Development?

How children's thinking develops and differs from adults.

What are Schemata in Piaget’s theory?

Mental models that help categorize and understand the world.

Define Assimilation in cognitive development.

Incorporating new experiences into existing schemata.

Define Accommodation in cognitive development.

Changing schemata based on new experiences.

What are the Four Stages of Cognitive Development according to Piaget?

Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational.

What is Neuroconstructivism?

A theory connecting neural brain development with cognitive development.

What does Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory propose?

Culture strongly influences development, including language and thought processes.

What is the Heinz Dilemma used for in Lawrence Kohlberg's theory?

To assess moral reasoning.

What are the Stages of Moral Reasoning?

Pre-conventional, Conventional, Post-conventional.

What is primary focus in Lifespan Development?

That development continues from birth to death.

List the three areas of development in Lifespan Development.

Physical Development, Cognitive Development, Psychosocial Development.

What occurs during the Germinal Stage of prenatal development?

Conception occurs and the zygote undergoes mitosis.

What is a zygote?

A fertilized egg that develops during the germinal stage.

What is the Embryonic Stage of prenatal development?

The developmental stage where major organs and structures begin to form.

Define Fetal Stage in prenatal development.

The stage from 9 weeks until birth where the fetus grows and develops functioning organs.

What are Teratogens?

Harmful substances that can affect fetal development and cause birth defects.

What do cognitive milestones in infancy include?

Understanding object permanence by about 8 months.

What is Attachment in infants?

A deep emotional bond to caregivers that is crucial for development.

When do toddlers start recognizing themselves in mirrors?

By 18 months.

What is the importance of self-concept in children?

A positive self-concept leads to better confidence and social skills.

What role does culture play in perceptions of death?

Culture influences how individuals view death and coping mechanisms.

Who created the first modern hospice?

Cicely Saunders in England in 1967.

What is the primary function of hospice care?

To provide dignity and comfort to dying patients outside of hospitals.

What did Elizabeth Kübler-Ross describe regarding grief?

Five stages of grief that people may experience when facing death.

What are the five stages of grief?

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

How can religious beliefs affect coping with death?

They may provide hope for an afterlife and social support.

What health resource allows individuals to express their medical decisions?

Living wills and advance directives.

What is object permanence and at what age is it typically understood?

The understanding that objects still exist when not seen; typically understood by 8 months.

During which stage of Erikson's theory do children develop a sense of initiative?

Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years).

What is the significance of Erikson’s stage 'Integrity vs. Despair'?

It involves reflection on life, where satisfaction leads to integrity and regret leads to despair.

What did Freud emphasize about childhood experiences?

They matter in shaping who we are as adults.

What is the key outcome of Freud's Psychosexual Development stages?

Development is discontinuous and occurs in distinct stages.

What does the term 'parenting styles' relate to in developmental psychology?

Different approaches caregivers take that influence a child's psychosocial development.

What measurable outcomes are used to identify the achievement gap?

Differences in academic performance among students from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

What are the long-term benefits of early childhood education programs?

They help close the achievement gap by providing preschool children with language and social skills.

Which theorist proposed that thought processes increase with age?

Jean Piaget.

In what way can positive parenting practices affect a child's development?

They promote healthier emotional and cognitive development.

What is the focus of sociocultural theory?

Understanding how social interaction and culture influence a child's cognitive development.

Which developmental theory emphasizes moral reasoning stages?

Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory.

How does continuous development differ from discontinuous development?

Continuous development is gradual, while discontinuous development occurs in distinct stages.

What psychological impact does hospice care have on patients?

Patients report high satisfaction rates from receiving care at home.

Why might understanding the stages of grief be important for caregivers?

It allows them to better provide support during tough times.

In Erikson's model, what is formed during the 'Identity vs. Role Confusion' stage?

A strong sense of self or identity.

What approach does the term 'nature vs. nurture' represent?

The ongoing debate on the influence of genetics versus environment in human development.

What is the impact of observing children in their natural settings?

Gains insights into behavior without influencing it.

What behavioral aspect do 'case studies' typically examine?

Individual changes and developmental outcomes.

What can be learned from analyzing normative data on child development?

Understanding developmental milestones and their variation across cultures.

What contributions did Freud provide to modern psychology despite some controversial theories?

Highlighting the significant impact of early childhood experiences on adulthood.

What is a key feature of Erikson's psychosocial stages?

Each stage presents a conflict necessary for developing certain psychological traits.

What do milestones in physical development signify?

Key achievements that indicate normal growth and capacities at specific ages.

At what age do most children begin to walk independently?

Typically between 9-15 months.

What is the difference between assimilation and accommodation?

Assimilation involves fitting new information into existing schemata; accommodation requires altering existing schemata.

What developmental feature is crucial during the sensorimotor stage?

The development of object permanence.

How might socioeconomic status influence developmental milestones?

Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may reach milestones later due to environmental factors.

What role does the caregiver play in a child's attachment?

Providing a secure base that allows the child to explore their environment safely.

What has been the historical perspective on death in medical contexts?

In the past, it was common for doctors not to inform patients of terminal conditions.

What is one goal of hospice care?

To ensure patients can die with dignity and comfort.

What are some cultural variations in coping with death?

Different cultures have varying beliefs about death, influencing perceptions and rituals.

What is the significance of having advance directives?

They ensure that individuals' healthcare decisions are respected if they become unable to communicate.