Untitled Flashcard Set

Developmental Psychology

The study of physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan.

Cognitive Development

The growth of thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and memory.

Critical Period of Development

A specific time when learning must occur or development will be impaired.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can damage prenatal development (alcohol, drugs, disease).

Cohorts

Groups of people who share similar life experiences during the same time period.

Rooting Reflex

An infant’s automatic response of turning toward touch on the cheek.

Depth Perception / Visual Cliff

The ability to perceive distance and depth; infants avoid drop-offs.

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

The theory that children develop thinking abilities in fixed stages.

Sensorimotor Stage

Stage where infants learn through actions and sensory experiences.

Preoperational Stage

Stage where thinking is based on appearances and intuition, not logic.

Concrete Operational Stage

Stage where logical thinking develops but only for real, physical objects.

Formal Operational Stage

Stage where abstract and hypothetical thinking develops.

Object Permanence

Understanding that objects still exist when they cannot be seen.

Egocentrism

Inability to see situations from another person’s perspective.

Centration

Focusing on one aspect of a situation while ignoring others.

Irreversibility

Inability to mentally undo an action.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance.

Animism

Belief that nonliving objects have life-like qualities.

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have thoughts and beliefs different from your own.

Schemas

Mental frameworks used to organize knowledge.

Assimilation

Adding new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Changing schemas to fit new information.

Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development

Theory that learning occurs through social interaction and culture.

Collaborative Dialogue

Learning through conversations with others.

More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)

Someone who has more knowledge or skill than the learner.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Tasks a learner can complete with help but not alone.

Scaffolding

Temporary support that is gradually removed as learning improves.

Private Speech

Talking to oneself to guide thinking and behavior.

Crystallized Intelligence

Knowledge and skills gained through experience and education.

Fluid Intelligence

Ability to solve new problems and think quickly.

Dementia

Severe decline in memory and cognitive ability that interferes with daily life.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia involving progressive memory loss.

Acetylcholine (ACh) Deficiency

Loss of a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning, linked to Alzheimer’s.

Overgeneralization (Language)

Applying grammar rules too broadly (e.g., 'goed').

Telegraphic Speech

Early speech using short phrases without grammar (e.g., 'want cookie').

Authoritative Parenting

Parenting style high in warmth and control with clear rules.

Authoritarian Parenting

Parenting style high in control and low in warmth.

Permissive Parenting

Parenting style high in warmth but low in control and discipline.

Secure Attachment

Attachment where a child feels safe exploring and is comforted by caregivers.

Insecure Attachment

Attachment marked by anxiety, avoidance, or lack of comfort from caregivers.

Separation Anxiety

Distress shown when an attached caregiver leaves.

Tactile Comfort

Comfort derived from physical touch.

Temperament

Innate emotional and behavioral style.

Imaginary Audience

Belief that others are constantly watching and judging you.

Personal Fable

Belief that one is unique and invulnerable to harm.

Psychosocial Development

Theory that personality develops through life stages involving conflicts.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Conflict where infants learn whether the world is safe.

Autonomy vs. Shame

Conflict where toddlers develop independence or self-doubt.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Conflict where adolescents form a sense of self or feel confused.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Conflict where young adults form close relationships or feel lonely.

Integrity vs. Despair

Conflict where older adults reflect on life with satisfaction or regret.