Human Development Study Guide

Development

Pattern of growth and change across the lifespan

Biological Processes

Physical changes in the body and brain

Cognitive Processes

Changes in thinking intelligence memory and language

Socioemotional Processes

Changes in emotions personality and relationships

Plasticity

Capacity for development and change

Multidirectionality

Development involves gains and losses simultaneously

Fluid Intelligence

Ability to solve novel problems

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and skills

Longitudinal Study

Research following same people over time

Cross-sectional Study

Research comparing different age groups at one time

Sequential Study

Combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional methods

Critical Period

Specific time when development must occur normally

Sensitive Period

Optimal time for development but not the only time

Id

Freud’s pleasure-driven unconscious component

Ego

Rational part of personality guided by reality principle

Superego

Moral component distinguishing right from wrong

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association

Operant Conditioning

Learning through rewards and punishments

Social Cognitive Theory

Learning through observing others

Schema

Mental framework for understanding the world

Assimilation

Fitting new information into existing schemas

Accommodation

Modifying schemas to fit new information

Microsystem

Immediate environment like family and school

Mesosystem

Interaction between parts of microsystem

Exosystem

Indirect environmental influences

Macrosystem

Cultural and societal influences

Chronosystem

Influence of time and historical events

Zone of Proximal Development

Gap between what child can do alone and with help

Scaffolding

Temporary support to aid learning

Genome

Complete set of genetic instructions

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an individual

Phenotype

Observable characteristics

Epigenetics

Environmental influences on gene expression

Synaptogenesis

Formation of new neural connections

Synaptic Pruning

Elimination of unused neural connections

Myelination

Insulation of neurons to improve signal transmission

Primary Aging

Natural biological aging process

Secondary Aging

Aging caused by lifestyle or disease

Reflexes

Automatic involuntary responses to stimuli

Gross Motor Skills

Large body movement abilities

Phonology

Sound system of language

Morphology

Structure and formation of words

Syntax

Rules for sentence structure

Semantics

Meaning of words and language

Pragmatics

Social rules of language use

Language Acquisition Device

Chomsky’s innate language learning mechanism

Holophrase

Single word expressing a complete idea

Telegraphic Speech

Short sentences missing unnecessary words

Overextension

Applying a word too broadly

Underextension

Applying a word too narrowly

Private Speech

Self-directed speech aiding problem solving

Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis

Language influences thought and perception

Object Permanence

Understanding objects exist when unseen

Egocentrism

Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives

Conservation

Understanding quantity remains same despite appearance changes

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget stage involving learning through senses and movement

Preoperational Stage

Piaget stage involving symbolic thought and egocentrism

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget stage involving logical thinking about concrete objects

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget stage involving abstract reasoning

Enactive Representation

Learning through actions

Iconic Representation

Learning through images

Symbolic Representation

Learning through language and symbols

Temperament

Biologically based emotional style

Easy Baby

Adaptable and positive temperament

Difficult Baby

Irregular and negative temperament

Slow-to-Warm Baby

Cautious temperament slow to adapt

Social Referencing

Using others’ emotions to guide behavior

Attachment

Emotional bond between infant and caregiver

Secure Attachment

Healthy attachment with trust and exploration

Avoidant Attachment

Insecure attachment marked by emotional distance

Resistant Attachment

Insecure attachment marked by clinginess and distress

Disorganized Attachment

Inconsistent confused attachment behavior

Maternal Sensitivity Hypothesis

Sensitive caregiving leads to secure attachment

General Intelligence g

Spearman’s overall cognitive ability factor

Triarchic Theory

Sternberg’s theory of analytical creative and practical intelligence

Mental Age

Cognitive performance compared to age norms

Selective Attention

Focusing on relevant information

Sustained Attention

Maintaining focus over time

Executive Attention

Managing competing cognitive demands

Phonological Loop

Working memory system for verbal information

Visuospatial Sketchpad

Working memory system for visual and spatial information

Central Executive

Working memory control system coordinating information

Encoding

Transforming information into memory form

Storage

Retaining information over time

Retrieval

Accessing stored information

Dementia

Severe decline in cognitive functioning

Alzheimer’s Disease

Most common form of dementia

Nature vs Nurture

Debate about genetic and environmental influences on development

Heritability

Degree to which traits are influenced by genetics

Twin Study

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins

Motherese

Infant-directed speech with exaggerated tone and pitch

Secure Base

Caregiver providing safety for exploration

Separation Anxiety

Distress when caregiver leaves

Strange Situation

Ainsworth’s laboratory assessment of attachment

Mental Lexicon

Internal dictionary of word knowledge

Conservation Task

Piagetian test of logical thinking

Pretend Play

Symbolic play using imagination

Reinforcement

Consequence increasing behavior

Punishment

Consequence decreasing behavior

Hypothesis

Testable prediction in research