3.1 & 3.2: Developmental psychology; prenatal-adult development

Developmental psychology

A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span

Maturation

The orderly sequence of biological growth; relatively uninfluenced by experience

Zygote

Fertilized egg (first 2 weeks)

Embryo

The developing human organism from 2 weeks to 2 months

Fetus

The developing human organism from 2 months to birth

Teratogens

Harmful agents, like chemicals, viruses, or alcohol, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman’s heavy drinking

Rooting reflex

Tendency of babies to open their mouth and search for breast/feeding when touched on the cheek

Babinski reflex

Automatic response in newborns where the big toe moves upward and the other toes fan out when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked

Infant preferences

Natural tendency of babies to favor human voices, faces, sounds, and smells (especially of the mother)

Habituation

Decreasing responsiveness to stimuli with repeated exposure to that stimulus (similar to sensory adaptation)

Gross motor skills

Large body movements

Fine motor skills

precise, smaller movements

Object permanence

The awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived

Stranger anxiety

Fear of unfamiliar people that infants commonly display

Attatchment

An emotional tie with others shown in young children by their seeking closeness to the caregiver and displaying distress on separation (Harlow’s monkeys)

Critical/sensitive period

An optimal period shortly after birth when an organism’s exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produces proper development

Imprinting

Process by which certain animals (not humans) form attachments during a critical period very early in life

Adolescence

Transition period from childhood to adulthood

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation marking the beginning of adolescence

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation (~12 yr/o), starting puberty for girls

Imaginary audience

Adolescent misconception that everyone is always focused on you

Personal fable

Misconception that your experiences are totally unique and never been experienced by others (supposedly life changing/personal experiences)

Invulnerability

False cognitive belief that one is immune to harm or negative consequences

Spermarche

When boys begin puberty, marked by the first occurrence of ejaculation