AP Psychology development study guide

Lifespan Development

Growth and change from birth to death.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate on whether genetics or environment shapes development.

Continuous vs. Discontinuous Development

Gradual vs. stage-based growth.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that affect prenatal development.

Reflexes

Automatic responses such as rooting and grasping.

Motor Coordination

Skills involving fine (small) vs. gross (large) movements.

Puberty

Biological maturation period during adolescence.

Menarche

First menstrual cycle.

Spermarche

First ejaculation.

Schemas

Mental frameworks for organizing knowledge.

Assimilation

Fitting new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Changing schemas to fit new information.

Sensorimotor Stage (0-2)

The stage of cognitive development characterized by object permanence.

Preoperational Stage (2-7)

Stage marked by egocentrism and pretend play.

Concrete Operational Stage (7-11)

Stage involving conservation and logical thinking.

Formal Operational Stage (12+)

Stage involving abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Phonemes

Smallest sounds in a language.

Morphemes

Smallest meaningful parts of words.

Babbling

The initial stage in speech development.

Overgeneralization

Applying grammar rules too broadly in language use.

Trust vs. Mistrust (0-1)

Erikson’s stage focusing on reliance on caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame (1-3)

Erikson’s stage addressing independence versus doubt.

Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6)

Erikson’s stage about control and leadership.

Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12)

Erikson’s stage emphasizing competence in school.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence)

Erikson’s stage focused on self-discovery.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood)

Erikson’s stage concerning relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Age)

Erikson's stage about societal contributions.

Integrity vs. Despair (Old Age)

Erikson’s stage reflecting on one’s life.

Attachment Styles (Ainsworth)

Different patterns of attachment developed in childhood.

Secure Attachment

Feeling comfortable with dependence.

Avoidant Attachment

Distant and avoids intimacy in relationships.

Anxious Attachment

Clingy and fears abandonment.

Disorganized Attachment

Inconsistent responses to attachment.

James Marcia's Identity Statuses

Framework categorizing identity development in adolescents.

Achievement Status

Identity commitment after exploration.

Moratorium Status

Exploring identity but undecided.

Foreclosure Status

No exploration and acceptance of given identity.

Diffusion Status

No commitment and no exploration of identity.

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development

Range of tasks a child can do with guidance.

Scaffolding

Support provided to help a child learn.

Temperament

Inborn personality traits of individuals.

Social Clock

Cultural expectations for timing of life events.

Imaginary Audience

Adolescents' belief that they are constantly being observed.

Personal Fable

Adolescents' belief in their own uniqueness and invincibility.

Crystallized Intelligence

Knowledge-based intelligence that improves with age.

Fluid Intelligence

Problem-solving ability that can decline with age.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Negative early-life experiences that affect development.