AP Psychology Unit 3 - Development

developmental psychology

branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan

chronological development

growth across lifespan, divided into distinct age-based stages that highlight physical, cognitive, emotional milestones

lifespan development

scientific study of how humans grow, change, and remain stable from conception to death

teratogens

agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm

rooting reflex

involuntary, brain stem-mediated behavior in newborns that aids survival by locating food

habituation

decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation; infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure and thus, their interest wanes

maturation

biological growth process that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience

critical period

optimal period, early in life of an organism when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produces normal development

sensitive period

specific time-limited windows during development (age 0-6) when the brain is exceptionally receptive to environment stimuli

fine motor coordination

precise control of small muscles in hands, feet, fingers; integrated with vision

gross motor coordination

voluntary movement of large muscle groups (arms, legs, torso) needed for activities like walking or running

puberty

period of sexual maturation, during which a person usually becomes capable of reproducing

menopause

time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines