Developmental Psychology: Prenatal Development, Genetics & Research Methods

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering prenatal development, genetic principles, biological processes, and research methodologies in developmental psychology.

APGAR Scoring

A rapid assessment of a newborn's physical condition conducted at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, evaluating Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration on a scale of 0 to 2 for each category.

Biopsychosocial Model

A developmental framework stating that development results from the dynamic interaction of biological, cognitive, and social/emotional influences.

Canalization

The tendency for strongly guided developmental outcomes to follow a stable trajectory despite ordinary environmental variations.

Cephalocaudal Development

A pattern of growth and motor control that progresses from the head downward toward the legs.

Proximodistal Development

A pattern of growth and motor control that progresses from the center of the body outward toward the extremities.

Down Syndrome

A chromosomal condition typically caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21), associated with characteristic physical features, developmental delay, and intellectual disability.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal condition in females typically characterized by a 45,X genotype, short stature, and ovarian or reproductive difficulties.

Klinefelter Syndrome

A chromosomal condition in males typically characterized by an XXY genotype, low testosterone, reduced fertility, and taller stature.

Fragile X Syndrome

A genetic condition involving a change in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome that causes learning and intellectual difficulties, often affecting males more severely.

Sickle Cell Disease

An autosomal recessive hemoglobin disorder where sickled red blood cells can obstruct blood flow and reduce oxygen delivery.

PKU (Phenylketonuria)

An autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized by an inability to break down phenylalanine, requiring early dietary intervention to safeguard brain development.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive condition that leads to the accumulation of thick mucus, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system.

Chromosomes

Structures composed of DNA that carry genetic material; humans normally possess 46 chromosomes organized into 23 pairs.

DNA

The nucleic acid molecule that stores genetic information in living organisms.

Gene

A specific segment of DNA that provides instructions for producing a biological product or function.

Alleles

Variant or alternative forms of a specific gene.

Conception

The process of fertilization where a sperm and an egg unite, combining 23 chromosomes from each gamete to form a 46-chromosome zygote.

Zygote

The single-celled organism produced by the fusion of a sperm and an egg cell.

Correlation

A statistical association between two variables that indicates relationship but does not establish causal direction or rule out confounding factors.

Causation

A direct relationship in which a change in one variable directly produces a change in another variable.

Multicausal Development

The concept that developmental outcomes are driven by multiple interacting factors, including genetics, environment, parenting, and experience.

Bidirectional Development

The principle that developmental influences operate mutually in both directions, such as children and parents continuously influencing one another.

Longitudinal Design

A research approach that tracks the same group of individuals over an extended period to assess individual changes over time.

Natural Experiment

A study design examining naturally occurring variation or policy/environmental changes without experimental assignment by researchers.

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

An experimental study design where participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups to evaluate causal effects.

Dominant Allele

An allele whose associated trait or phenotype is expressed even when only one copy is present.

Recessive Allele

An allele whose associated phenotype typically requires two copies to be expressed.

X-linked Condition

A genetic condition caused by a gene located on the X chromosome, which often affects XY males more frequently due to having a single X chromosome.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene.

Ectoderm

The outer germ layer in an embryo that develops into the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and outer skin.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer in an embryo that gives rise to muscles, bones, the circulatory system, and internal support structures.

Endoderm

The inner germ layer in an embryo that forms the internal linings of the digestive and respiratory systems.

Epigenesis

The process of development through continuous bidirectional interactions between genetic activity and environmental experiences.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than alterations in the underlying DNA sequence.

Habituation

A decrease in physiological or behavioral response to a stimulus following repeated exposure, indicating memory or learning.

Genetic Counseling

A service that helps individuals and families understand genetic conditions, inheritance risks, testing options, and reproductive choices.

Genotype

An organism's complete genetic makeup.

Phenotype

The observable or measurable physical and behavioral traits produced by the interaction of a genotype with the environment.

Germinal Stage

The initial period of prenatal development spanning from conception to approximately 2 weeks, involving cell division, blastocyst formation, and implantation.

Blastocyst

A hollow sphere of cells formed early in the germinal stage whose outer layer (trophoblast) embeds into the uterine wall during implantation.

Mitosis

The process of somatic cell division that replicates ordinary body cells for growth and repair, maintaining the 46-chromosome count.

Meiosis

The specialized cell division process that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells), reducing the chromosome number from 46 to 23.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins formed from a single fertilized egg that splits into two separate embryos sharing nearly identical genetic material.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins resulting from two separate eggs fertilized by two separate sperm, sharing approximately 50% of their genes on average.

Neural Tube

An early structure derived from the embryonic ectoderm that gives rise to the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Placenta

A specialized organ that mediates nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange between maternal and fetal blood supplies without direct mixing.

Umbilical Cord

A vascular structure connecting the fetus to the placenta, carrying fetal blood back and forth for exchange.

Amniotic Sac

A fluid-filled membrane surrounding the fetus that cushions against physical force, allows movement, and maintains temperature stability.

Embryonic Stage

The period of prenatal development from about week 3 to week 8 during which germ layers form, major organ systems develop, and vulnerability to teratogens is high.

Fetal Stage

The prenatal period extending from week 9 until birth, characterized by rapid physical growth, refinement of organs, and brain development.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

A maternal blood protein marker screened during pregnancy to assess risk for conditions like neural tube defects.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is extracted and analyzed for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

A prenatal diagnostic procedure involving the extraction and analysis of placental tissue, typically performed earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis.

Probabilistic View

The perspective that biological and environmental factors alter the likelihood of developmental outcomes rather than guaranteeing them.

Deterministic View

The perspective that a specific antecedent factor inevitably and direct causes a particular outcome.

Reaction Range

The concept that genes establish lower and upper limits of potential developmental outcomes, while the environment determines where within that range the actual phenotype falls.

Teratogen

An environmental agent or factor (such as drugs, alcohol, diseases, or toxins) capable of causing disruptions or structural abnormalities during prenatal development.

Viability

The potential age at which a prematurely born fetus can survive outside the uterus with appropriate medical intervention.