Dimensions of development

Lifespan Development

The scientific study of change and continuity across the entire life.

Key Principle: Lifelong

Development never stops.

Key Principle: History & Context Dependent

Development is influenced by time, culture, and environment.

Key Principle: Multidimensional

Development involves multiple interacting systems.

Multidirectional

Growth and decline occur simultaneously throughout life.

Key Principle: Plastic (Pliable)

Development can change based on experience.

Dimensions of Development: Physical

Includes body growth, brain development, motor skills, hormones, genetics, and aging.

Cognitive

Involves thinking, memory, problem-solving and intelligence development.

Psychosocial

Pertains to emotions, relationships, personality, and social interactions.

Moral

Concerns the sense of right vs wrong and ethical reasoning.

Key Principle: Interconnected Dimensions

All dimensions of development are interconnected.

Nature vs. Nurture: Nature

The view that development is driven by genes and includes critical periods.

Nature vs. Nurture: Nurture

The view that development is shaped by the environment, often summarized as 'tabula rasa'.

Modern View of Nature vs. Nurture

Development is the interaction of both nature (genes) and nurture (environment).

Continuity vs. Stages: Continuity

Refers to gradual, quantitative change, such as increasing vocabulary.

Continuity vs. Stages: Stages

Involves distinct, qualitative shifts, exemplified by Piaget’s stages.

Stability vs. Change: Stability

Early traits persist into adulthood.

Stability vs. Change: Change

Personality and behavior can shift due to experience.

Gender: Sex

Biological aspects including chromosomes and hormones.

Gender: Gender

The social and psychological construct of being male or female.

Gender Identity

A personal sense of one's own gender.

Gender Roles

Cultural expectations placed on individuals based on their sex.

Gender Typing

The process of adopting gender roles.

Gender Stereotyping

Fixed beliefs and assumptions about the characteristics of males and females.

Influences on Gender: Biological

Includes genes, hormones, and brain differences.

Influences on Gender: Social/Cultural

Includes family dynamics, school influences, and media representations.

Stages of Prenatal Development: Zygote

The fertilized egg stage.

Stages of Prenatal Development: Embryo

The stage when organ formation occurs.

Stages of Prenatal Development: Fetus

The stage where the human form becomes recognizable.

Genes (DNA)

Control the development of an individual.

Teratogens

Harmful agents that can affect prenatal development, such as alcohol.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A condition resulting from the exposure to alcohol in the womb.

Development

An interaction of biology and environment.

Plasticity

The ability to adapt to changes.

Critical Periods

Specific windows of time that influence development.

Multiple Systems

Behavior is shaped by multiple systems simultaneously.

\Nature vs Nurture

It is not an either/or debate.

Development

It is not always linear.

Gender vs Sex

Gender does not equal sex.

High-Yield Exam Trap: Stability and Change

Both stability and change occur simultaneously in development.