Psychological and Physical Development After 4 Years of Age

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on psychological and physical development after four years of age.

Theory of Mind (ToM)

The ability to attribute mental states to ourselves and others, serving as foundational elements for social interaction.

Sally and Anne Test

A test used to assess a child's theory of mind where a child must determine where Sally will look for her ball after it has been moved.

Belief Question

A test used in studies to assess understanding of a person's beliefs and intentions, particularly in relation to Theory of Mind.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, often linked with Theory of Mind deficits.

Growth curves

Graphs that show the change in size or rate of growth over time for different species, including physical development metrics such as weight and height.

Juvenile stage

The growth stage in humans where offspring are weaned but not yet sexually mature, lasting significantly longer than in many non-human species.

Learning hypothesis

The theory suggesting that the juvenile stage allows for brain growth and an extended period of social learning.

Ecological risk aversion hypothesis

A theory proposing that juveniles stay in groups to reduce predation risk, which in turn affects their growth and development.

Growth spurt

A rapid increase in physical growth that occurs during adolescence, marked by increased height and weight.

Weight velocity

The rate of change in weight over time, often depicted in growth curves to assess growth patterns.

Theory of Mind (ToM)

The ability to attribute mental states to ourselves and others, serving as foundational elements for social interaction.

Sally and Anne Test

A test used to assess a child's theory of mind where a child must determine where Sally will look for her ball after it has been moved.

Belief Question

A test used in studies to assess understanding of a person's beliefs and intentions, particularly in relation to Theory of Mind.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction, often linked with Theory of Mind deficits.

Growth curves

Graphs that show the change in size or rate of growth over time for different species, including physical development metrics such as weight and height.

Juvenile stage

The growth stage in humans where offspring are weaned but not yet sexually mature, lasting significantly longer than in many non-human species.

Learning hypothesis

The theory suggesting that the juvenile stage allows for brain growth and an extended period of social learning.

Ecological risk aversion hypothesis

A theory proposing that juveniles stay in groups to reduce predation risk, which in turn affects their growth and development.

Growth spurt

A rapid increase in physical growth that occurs during adolescence, marked by increased height and weight.

Weight velocity

The rate of change in weight over time, often depicted in growth curves to assess growth patterns.

False-belief task

An experimental paradigm designed to test a child's understanding that others can hold beliefs that are different from reality, a key indicator of Theory of Mind.

Adolescence

The developmental stage following childhood, characterized by puberty, a growth spurt, and significant cognitive and social maturation leading to adulthood.

Human life history

The study of the timing and duration of major events in an organism's life, such as birth, growth, reproduction, and death, with an emphasis on evolutionary trade-offs; often used to explain the extended human juvenile period.

Social learning

The process of acquiring knowledge by observing others and their interactions within a social context, believed to be greatly enhanced during the extended human juvenile stage.