Developmental Psychology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts in developmental psychology related to change, child development, parenting, emotional regulation, and social dynamics.

Developmental Change

Change driven by the brain, genetics, experiences, behavior, and interaction of factors.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity

Continuity refers to gradual age-related changes, while discontinuity refers to occasional large shifts.

Nurture and Nature

Nature is genetic endowment, while nurture refers to environmental factors affecting development.

Mechanism of Change

The process of how various factors interact to influence development.

Brofenbrenner's Biological Model

Framework that includes different systems affecting an individual's development: Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chronosystem.

Equifinality

The principle that a single outcome can be reached from different starting points.

Multifinality

The principle that similar beginnings can lead to different outcomes.

Correlational Design

Research design that measures relationships between variables without manipulation.

Experimental Design

Research design that manipulates an independent variable to determine causal relationships.

Cross-sectional Design

Research comparing different groups at one point in time to understand variations.

Longitudinal Design

Research that follows the same participants over time to observe changes.

Reliability in Research

The consistency of results when a study is repeated.

Validity in Research

The degree to which a research study measures what it claims to measure.

Cephalocaudal Development

Development pattern progressing from head to toe.

Proximodistal Development

Development pattern progressing from the center of the body outward.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating excess synapses to refine neural circuits.

Neurogenesis

The process of creating new neurons.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can harm the fetus at certain doses and times.

Gene vs. Environment

Genotype refers to the DNA code while phenotype refers to the observable traits expressed.

Epigenetics

Stable changes in gene expression caused by environmental and behavioral factors without altering the DNA sequence.

Cerebral Cortex

The area of the brain responsible for higher-order functions, such as reasoning and decision-making.

Plasticity

The brain's capacity to be shaped by experience.

Attachment Theory

Bowlby's theory that emphasizes the importance of secure attachments for healthy development.

Strange Situation Test

A method developed by Ainsworth to assess attachment styles in children.

Family Structure

The composition and relationships among individuals living within a household.

Parenting Styles

Different approaches to parenting characterized by levels of warmth and control.

Moral Development

The process by which children develop an understanding of right and wrong.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that humans learn behaviors through observation and imitation of others.

Emotion Regulation

The processes used to monitor and modulate one's emotional experiences.

Prosocial Behavior

Voluntary behavior intended to benefit others.

Aggression

Behavior aimed at harming or injuring others.

Peer Relationships

Intimate relationships developed between children of similar age and status.

Gender Socialization

The process by which children learn the cultural norms associated with their gender.

Theory of Mind

The ability to understand that others have thoughts and feelings different from oneself.

Causal Reasoning

Understanding how different objects or events influence one another.

Attachment Styles

Different attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, resistant) established through early caregiver interactions.