Developmental Psychology Chapter 1 Exam 1

What is Human Development?

Scientific study of processes of change and stability throughout the human life span

What are the domains for development?

cognitive, physical, and psychosocial

what is the physical development domain

Development of the brain and body, including patterns of change in sensory capacities, motor skills, and health

what is the cognitive development domain

Pattern of change in mental abilities, such as learning, attention, memory, language, thinking, reasoning, and creativity

what is the psychosocial development domain

Pattern of change in emotions, personality, and social relationships

In Erikson’s eight-stage theory, the socially and culturally influenced process of development of the ego, or self

What are the 8 period of human development

prenatal period, infancy and toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, emerging and young adulthood, middle adulthood, late adulthood

describe the prenatal period physical developments

conception occurs

genes interact with environmental influences

vulnerability to environmental influences is great

basic body structures and organs form

brain growth spurt begins

physical growth is the most rapid in the life span

describe the prenatal period cognitive developments

abilities to learn and remember and to respond to sensory stimuli are developing

prenatal period psychosocial developments

fetus responds to mothers voice and develops a preference for it

infancy and toddlerhood physical developments

All senses and body systems operate at birth to varying degrees

The brain grows in complexity and is highly sensitive to environmental influence

Physical growth and development of motor skills are rapid

infancy and toddlerhood cognitive development

Abilities to learn and remember are present, even in early weeks

Use of symbols and ability to solve problems develop by end of second year

Comprehension and use of language develop rapidly

infancy and toddlerhood psychosocial developments (birth to 3)

Attachments to parents and others form

Self-awareness develops

Shift from dependence toward autonomy occurs

Interest in other children increases

early childhood (3-6) physical developments

Growth is steady; appearance becomes more slender and proportions more adultlike

Appetite diminishes, and sleep problems are common

Handedness appears; fine and gross motor skills and strength improve

early childhood 3-6 cognitive developments

Understanding of other people’s perspectives grows

Cognitive immaturity results in some illogical ideas about the world

Memory and language improve, intelligence becomes more predictable

Preschool experience is common, and kindergarten experience is more so

early childhood 3-6 psychosocial developments

Self-concept and understanding of emotions become more complex; self-esteem is global

Independence, initiative, and self-control increase

Gender identity develops

Play becomes more imaginative, elaborate, and social; altruism, aggression, and fearfulness are common

Family is still the focus of social life, but other children become more important

middle childhood 6-11 physical developments

Growth slows; strength and athletic skills improve

Respiratory illnesses are common, but health is generally better than at any other time in the life span

middle childhood 6-11 cognitive developments

Egocentrism diminishes

Children begin to think logically but concretely

memory and language skills increase

Some children show special educational needs and strengths

middle childhood 6-11 psychosocial

Self-concept becomes more complex, affecting self-esteem

Coregulation reflects gradual shift in control from parents to child

Peers assume central importance

adolescence 11- 20 physical development

Physical growth and other changes are rapid and profound; reproductive maturity occurs

Major health risks arise from behavioral issues, such as eating disorders and drug abuse

adolescence cognitive development

Ability to think abstractly and use scientific reasoning develops but immature thinking persists in some attitudes and behaviors

Education focuses on preparation for college or vocation

adolescence psychosocial developement

Search for identity becomes central

Relationships with parents are generally good; peer group may exert a positive or negative influence

emerging and young adulthood 20-40 physical development

Physical condition peaks, then declines slightly

Lifestyle choices influence health

emerging and young adulthood cognitive development

Thought and moral judgments become more complex

Educational and occupational choices are made, sometimes after period of exploration

emerging and young adulthood psychosocial development

Personality traits and styles become relatively stable

Intimate relationships and personal lifestyles are established but may not be lasting

Most people marry, and most become parents

middle adulthood 40- 65 physical development

Slow deterioration of sensory abilities, health, stamina, and strength may begin, but individual differences are wide

Women experience menopause

middle adulthood cognitive developments

Mental abilities peak; expertise and practical problem-solving skills are high

Creative output may decline but improve in quality

Varied career trajectories may occur, including career success and peak earning power, burnout or career change

middle adulthood psychosocial developments

Sense of identity continues to develop; midlife transition may occur

Dual responsibilities of caring for children and parents may cause stress

Launching of children leaves empty nest

late adulthood 65 and over physical developments

Most people are healthy and active, although health and physical abilities generally decline

Slowing of reaction time affects some aspects of functioning

late adulthood cognitive developments

Most people are mentally alert

Although intelligence and memory may deteriorate in some areas, most people find ways to compensate

late adulthood psychosocial developments

Retirement from workforce may occur

Relationships with family and close friends can provide important support

Search for meaning in life assumes central importance

what is maturation

(of the brain and body) Unfolding of a natural sequence of physical and behavioral changes

what is a nuclear family

Two-generational kinship, economic, and household unit consisting of one or two parents and their biological children, adopted children, or stepchildren

What is an extended family

Multigenerational kinship network of parents, children, and other relatives, sometimes living together in an extended-family household

common in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Define culture

A society’s or group’s total way of life, including customs, traditions, beliefs, values, language, and physical products—all learned behavior, passed on from parents to children

Define ethnic groups

A group united by ancestry, race, religion, language, or national origins, which contribute to a sense of shared identity

What is a critical period

Specific time when a given event or its absence has a specific impact on development
(if something doesn’t happen normal development may not occur)

What is a sensitive period

Times in development when a person is particularly open to certain kinds of experiences

what is plasticity?

(1) Range of modifiability of performance

(2) Modifiability, or “molding,” of the brain through experience