Week 3: Human Development

A set of flashcards covering key concepts in developmental psychology including definitions, research methods, attachment styles, parenting styles, and developmental stages.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how behavior and mental processes change over time and the factors influencing those changes.

Nature vs. Nurture

The interaction between genetics (nature) and environment, family, culture, and experiences (nurture) in shaping an individual's identity.

Cross-sectional design

A research method that compares different age groups at a single point in time to determine age-related differences.

Longitudinal design

A research method that studies the same group of individuals over multiple time points to determine age-related changes.

Cohort-Sequential Design

Research design that combines cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, allowing comparison of different age groups over time.

Critical Periods

A time in development when an organism is particularly sensitive to environmental input, which can affect the acquisition of certain functions and behaviors.

Teratogen

Any substance or factor that can cause damage during the prenatal period.

Attachment

A significant emotional connection to another person, typically observed between a baby and a primary caregiver.

Secure Attachment

An attachment style where the infant is moderately upset when the mother leaves but happy upon her return.

Authoritative Parenting Style

A parenting style characterized by warmth, sensitivity to a child's needs, and reasonable demands, leading to high self-esteem and social maturity in children.

Adolescence

A developmental stage marked by rapid physical and cognitive changes, including the onset of puberty and identity exploration.

Erikson's Identity vs. Role Confusion

A psychosocial conflict in adolescence where individuals must discover their own identity.

Indigenous Experiences

The impact of residential schooling aimed at cultural assimilation on Indigenous peoples, stripping them of their identity.