Chapter 8 - Development Across the Lifespan

Human Development

Changes that occur in people as they age from conception until death

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of change over the lifespan

Longitudinal design (research design)

One participant or group of participants is studied over a long period of time

Cross-sectional design (research design)

Several different age groups of participants are studied at one particular point in time

Cross-sequential design (research design)

Several groups of participants are first studied cross sectionally but also assessed longitudinally

Nature

The influence of our inherited characteristics on our personality, physical growth, intellectual growth, and social interactions

Nurture

The influence of the environment on personality, physical growth, intellectual growth, and social interactions

Behavioral Genetics

Focuses on understanding the contributions of nature and nurture to development

Conception

The moment at which a female becomes pregnant

Ovum

The female sex cell or egg

Fertilization

The union of the ovum and sperm

Zygote

Cell resulting from the uniting of the ovum and sperm; divides into many cells, eventually forming the baby

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins formed when one zygote splits into two separate masses of cells, each of which develops into a separate embryo

Dizygotic twins

Often called fraternal twins, occurring when two eggs each get fertilized by two different sperm, resulting in two zygotes in the uterus at the same time

Germinal period

First two weeks after fertilization, the zygote moves down to the uterus and begins to implant in the lining

Embryonic period

Period from 2 to 8 weeks after fertilization, during which the major organs and structures of the organism develop

Fetal period

The time from about 8 weeks after conception until the birth of the child

Fetus

The developing organism from 8 weeks after fertilization to the birth of the baby

Activity theory

Older people are happier if they remain active in some way, such as volunteering or developing a hobby

Cellular clock theory

Cells only have so many times that they can reproduce; once that limit is reached, damaged cells begin to accumulate

Wear-and-tear theory

As time goes by, repeating use and abuse of the body’s tissues cause it to be able to repair all the damage

Free radical theory

Oxygen molecules with an unstable electron move around the cell, damaging cell structures as they go

Stages of Death and Dying

1. Denial

2. Anger.

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance