Unit 6: Developmental Pyschology

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding the contributions of genetics (nature) and environment/experience (nurture) to human development.

Stability vs. Change

The discussion of whether traits remain stable throughout life or undergo changes over time.

Continuous Development

Gradual, cumulative changes in a person’s development.

Discontinuous Development

Development that occurs in distinct stages with qualitative differences.

Cross-Sectional Research

A research design that compares different age groups at one point in time.

Longitudinal Research

A study that follows the same individuals over a period of time.

Prenatal Development

The process of development that occurs from the zygote to the embryo to the fetus.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can negatively impact prenatal development.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic experiences in childhood that affect health and psychological outcomes.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that occur according to genetic programming.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

The process of incorporating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

The alteration of existing schemas to include new information.

Sensorimotor Stage (Piaget)

The developmental stage (0-2 years) characterized by object permanence and sensory exploration.

Preoperational Stage (Piaget)

The stage (2-7 years) defined by egocentrism, pretend play, and lack of conservation understanding.

Concrete Operational Stage (Piaget)

The stage (7-11 years) where logical thinking about concrete events is developed.

Formal Operational Stage (Piaget)

The stage (12+ years) characterized by abstract thinking.

Criticisms of Piaget

Concerns that Piaget underestimated children’s abilities, presented development as more staged than it is, and ignored cultural influences.

Theory of Mind

The awareness that others have different thoughts and beliefs.

Scaffolding

Support provided to a child by a skilled partner to help them accomplish a task.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

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

Attachment

The emotional bond formed between a child and their caregiver.

Contact Comfort (Harlow Studies)

The idea that babies prefer comfort from soft materials rather than just food.

Secure Attachment

A style of attachment where the child feels safe to explore due to a trusting relationship with the caregiver.

Insecure Attachment

A style of attachment characterized by anxiety or avoidance in relationships.

Stranger Anxiety

The distress experienced by children around unfamiliar people, typically occurring around 8 months.

Basic Trust (Erikson)

A sense of safety and reliability formed during infancy.

Imprinting

A process in some animals of forming rigid attachments during a critical period.

Authoritarian Parenting

A style characterized by strict rules and expectations.

Authoritative Parenting

A style that combines rules with warmth and responsiveness, leading to the best outcomes.

Permissive Parenting

A style with few rules or restrictions.

Negligent Parenting

A style in which parents are uninvolved or indifferent.

Adolescence

The transition period from childhood to adulthood, marked by puberty.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation and physical development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

Menarche

The first menstrual period experienced by a female.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation experienced by a male.

Challenges of Early Puberty

Issues that arise from early onset of puberty, such as social awkwardness.

Biological Changes to the Teenage Brain

Developments that include neuron pruning, frontal lobe maturation, and increased risk-taking.

Identity (Erikson)

One's sense of self and understanding of who they are.

Role Confusion

The uncertainty and confusion about one’s identity during adolescence.

Marcia’s Identity Statuses

A framework that includes identity achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and diffusion regarding identity exploration.

Social Identity

The self-concept influenced by the groups to which one belongs.

Emerging Adulthood

A transition period occurring approximately between ages 18 and 25 before full independence.

Gender Roles

Societal expectations regarding behavior appropriate for males and females.

Gender Typing

The process of internalizing traditional gender roles.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that social behaviors, including gender roles, are learned through observation and reinforcement.

Selection Effect

The phenomenon where adolescents choose peers who are similar to themselves.

Moral Intuitions

The instinctual, quick moral judgments we make.

Moral Actions

The behaviors that reflect our moral beliefs, influenced by self-control and empathy.

Intimacy (Erikson)

The capacity to form close and loving relationships.

Midlife Transition

A period of reevaluation of life priorities commonly associated with a midlife crisis.

Social Clock

Cultural expectations regarding the timing of key life events.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Mental and Physical Declines in Aging

Changes in processing speed, recall, and sensory abilities as people age.

Menopause

The biological end of menstrual cycles and associated hormonal changes.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge that typically increases with age.

Fluid Intelligence

The capacity for rapid and abstract reasoning, which tends to decrease with age.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder characterized by communication challenges, social difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.