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Child Development
The study of physical, mental, emotional, and social development of individuals from conception through adolescence.
Maturational Theory
Theory proposed by Arnold Gessell, stating that development is a specific, prearranged plan within the body that unfolds naturally.
Ethological Theory
A perspective that views development from an evolutionary standpoint, suggesting that many behaviors are adaptive and serve survival purposes.
Critical Period
A specific time in development when a particular type of learning is possible; before or after this period, learning may be difficult or impossible.
Psychodynamic Perspective
The oldest perspective on child development that emphasizes the influence of early childhood experiences on later behaviors, associated with Sigmund Freud.
Freud's Components of Personality
The three parts of personality according to Freud: Id (primitive instincts), Ego (rational component), and Superego (moral agent).
Erikson's Psychosocial Theory
A theory developed by Erik Erikson that outlines eight stages of development, each characterized by a specific crisis or challenge.
Learning Perspective
Theory focused on how experiences shape development, famously linked to John Locke's view of the infant mind as a blank slate.
Social Cognitive Theory
A theory by Albert Bandura emphasizing the role of observation and imitation in learning, along with cognitive processes of understanding rewards and punishments.
Cognitive Development Perspective
A theory that explains how children's thinking develops, famously represented by Jean Piaget's four stages of cognitive development.
Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
Four stages proposed by Piaget outlining the progression of children's thinking: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.
Contextual Perspective
An approach that considers all influences, including culture and environment, impacting a child's development.
Lev Vygotsky
A theorist who focused on the role of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development.
Continuity vs. Discontinuity
Debate on whether development is a gradual, continuous process or occurs in distinct stages.
Nature vs. Nurture
The discussion regarding the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to child development.
Active Child vs. Passive Child
The debate about whether children are passive recipients of their environment or active participants in shaping their own development.
Research Design
The overall conceptual approach for conducting research, often involving correlational or experimental methods.
Ethical Responsibilities in Research
Moral obligations researchers have to protect participants' rights, dignity, and welfare in studies.
Informed Consent
The process of obtaining agreement from research participants after explaining the nature of the research.
Naturalistic Observation
A research method where behavior is observed in its natural setting without intervention from the researcher.
Longitudinal Design
A research method that involves collecting data from the same subjects repeatedly over a period of time.
Cross-Sectional Design
A research method that compares different groups at a single point in time to understand age-related changes.
