Lifespan Development

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in Lifespan Development, including developmental psychology, research methods, stages of cognitive development, and changes in motor skills and cognitive functions throughout life.

Developmental Psychology

Changes that occur across the lifespan in characteristics such as physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral.

Nature-Nurture Issue

The debate regarding the role and interaction of genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences on development.

Critical Periods

The specific times during which certain experiences must occur for proper development.

Cross-Sectional Research Method

A study design that collects data from multiple age groups simultaneously at one point in time.

Longitudinal Research Method

A research approach that studies the same group of individuals over a period of time.

Motor Development in Infants

The progression of physical abilities in infants, including holding up their head, rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.

Myelination

The process of developing a myelin sheath around axons, essential for efficient nerve signal transmission.

Synaptogenesis

The rapid formation of new synaptic connections between neurons.

Cognitive Development

The study of changes in memory, thought, and reasoning processes that occur throughout the lifespan.

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

Four stages proposed by Piaget: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operations.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Conservation

The understanding that quantity does not change even when its shape or arrangement does.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The difference between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

Scaffolding

An educational technique where support is tailored to the learner's needs to foster development.

Identity Development

The process during adolescence where an individual develops a clear sense of self and their place in society.

Cognitive Decline in Adulthood

The gradual decrease in cognitive functions like memory and recognition that occurs with age.

Crystallized vs. Fluid Intelligence

Crystallized intelligence refers to accumulated knowledge and skills, whereas fluid intelligence involves problem-solving and adaptability.