Human Development Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to human development, research methods, genetic influences, cognitive development, and early childhood attachment.

Human Development

The scientific study of the changes that occur in people as they age, from conception until death.

Longitudinal Design

A research design where one participant or group is studied over a long period of time.

Cross-Sectional Design

A research design where several different participant groups are studied at one point in time.

Cross-Sequential Design

A research design that combines the cross-sectional and longitudinal methods.

Cohort Effect

The impact of development occurring when a group shares a common time period or experience.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding hereditary versus environmental influences on development.

Behavior Genetics

The study of how much behavior is influenced by genetic inheritance versus personal experience.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that contains the genetic material of an organism.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA that contain the genetic information; humans have 46 chromosomes.

Dominant Gene

A gene that controls the expression of a trait.

Recessive Gene

A gene that only influences the expression of a trait when paired with an identical gene.

Prenatal Development

The development of the organism from fertilization to birth.

Zygote

The initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins that develop from one zygote that splits into two embryos.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins that develop from two separately fertilized eggs.

Teratogen

Any factor that can cause a birth defect during prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

A group of conditions caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Placebo Effect

Improvements seen in patients who believe they are receiving treatment.

Cognitive Development

The development of thinking, problem-solving, and memory.

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

A theory proposing four stages of cognitive development in children.

Scaffolding

Support given to a learner that is gradually removed as they become more competent.

Temperament

The behavioral characteristics established at birth, such as easy, difficult, and slow to warm up.

Attachment

The emotional bond between an infant and their primary caregiver.