Ad Psych Test 1

What initiates the hormonal changes that begin puberty?

Hormonal changes begin in the hypothalamus with the release of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

What role does body fat play in the initiation of puberty?

Increased GnRH occurs once a threshold level of body fat is reached, as fat cells produce the protein leptin that signals the release of GnRH.

Which hormones are released by the pituitary gland during puberty?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) are released once GnRH reaches the pituitary gland.

What are the gonads and their associated sex hormones?

The gonads are the ovaries and testes, which produce sex hormones: estrogens (primarily estradiol) and androgens (primarily testosterone).

What is the function of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) during puberty?

ACTH causes the adrenal glands to increase androgen production.

What is the feedback loop in the endocrine system responsible for?

The feedback loop monitors and adjusts levels of sex hormones, maintaining an optimal set point.

How do primary sex characteristics differ from secondary sex characteristics?

Primary sex characteristics are directly related to reproduction, while secondary sex characteristics are physical traits that develop during puberty but are not directly involved in reproduction.

What is the typical order of development of secondary sex characteristics in boys?

Boys typically develop secondary sex characteristics such as increased muscle mass, deepening voice, and facial hair.

What is the typical order of development of secondary sex characteristics in girls?

Girls typically develop secondary sex characteristics such as breast development, widening hips, and the onset of menstruation.

What are the personal responses to menarche and semenarche among adolescents?

Responses to menarche (first menstruation) and semenarche (first ejaculation) vary by culture and can include feelings of pride, anxiety, or embarrassment.

What gender differences exist in responses to early or late puberty?

Boys and girls may experience different social pressures and emotional responses based on whether they reach puberty early or late.

What is the significance of leptin in the initiation of puberty?

Leptin, produced by fat cells, signals the hypothalamus to release GnRH, which initiates the hormonal changes of puberty.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system during puberty?

The hypothalamus initiates puberty by releasing GnRH, which triggers the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins.

What is the set point in the feedback loop of the endocrine system?

The set point is the optimal level of sex hormones that the feedback loop aims to maintain.

How does physical functioning change during puberty?

Physical functioning changes include increased strength, endurance, and changes in body composition.

How does puberty influence family relations?

Puberty can lead to changes in family dynamics, with adolescents seeking more independence and sometimes causing tension with parents.

What is the biological definition of puberty?

Puberty is defined as the period of sexual maturation during which individuals become capable of reproduction.

What is the adolescent growth spurt?

A growth surge that occurs when puberty arrives, characterized by peak height velocity.

What is the peak height velocity for girls during puberty?

3.5 inches per year.

What is the peak height velocity for boys during puberty?

4.1 inches per year.

What is the muscle growth spurt during puberty?

A period of rapid muscle growth that occurs alongside the growth spurt.

What hormonal changes occur in girls during puberty?

Surge in body fat and development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

What are primary sex characteristics?

Characteristics directly related to reproduction, including egg and sperm production.

What is menarche?

The first menstrual period in females.

What is spermarche?

The first production of sperm in males.

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Bodily changes not directly related to reproduction, such as hair growth and voice deepening.

What is the typical order of pubertal events in females?

Pubic hair, breast buds, growth spurt, growth of sexual and reproductive organs, menarche, underarm hair.

What is the typical order of pubertal events in males?

Growth of testes, pubic hair growth, growth spurt, growth of penis, deepening of the voice, spermarche.

How many ovum does a female release over her lifetime?

About 400.

What is the range of sperm production per ejaculation in males?

30-500 million sperm.

What changes occur in sweat glands during puberty?

Sweat glands in the skin increase production.

What physical changes occur in males during puberty?

Growth of penis, testes, and facial hair, as well as voice deepening.

What physical changes occur in females during puberty?

Breast growth, pubic hair growth, and increased body fat.

What is the significance of the growth spurt during puberty?

It marks a period of rapid physical growth and development in adolescents.

What factors can influence the timing and order of pubertal events?

Genetics, nutrition, and environmental influences.

What happens to heart size and heartrate during puberty?

Heart size doubles and heartrate falls.

How does the average heartrate of girls compare to boys by age 17?

The average girl's heartrate is 5 beats faster than the average boy's.

In terms of physical strength, how do boys and girls compare during puberty?

Boys overtake girls in physical strength.

What percentage of American adolescents are considered obese?

About 20%.

What are the major causes of obesity in adolescents?

Diet and exercise, particularly a fast-food diet and a more automobile-oriented lifestyle.

What trend is observed in physical activity from middle childhood to adolescence?

There is a steep decline in physical activity.

When is peak bone mass typically reached?

In the 20s.

How does socioeconomic status affect the age of menarche within countries?

Adolescent girls from affluent families menstruate earlier than those from poorer families.

How do parent-adolescent relations change during puberty in American culture?

Relations become cooler, conflict increases, and physical closeness is less likely.

What are the typical personal responses of girls to menarche in modern-day America?

They feel more 'grown-up', experience an increase in social maturity, and gain prestige with peers.

What are common responses of boys to semenarche?

Boys enjoy the pleasurable sensations, feel more grown-up, and may experience guilt, surprise, or fear.

What is the impact of early pubertal timing on girls in developed countries?

Early effects are especially negative, leading to depression, negative body image, and eating disorders.

What are the late effects of late maturation among girls?

Teasing and negative body image before puberty, but more positive body image in later teens.

How does early maturation affect boys?

Early effects are mixed; they may have more favorable body images, be more popular, and achieve greater success later in life, but also engage in more delinquency, sex, and substance use.

What are the late effects of late maturation among boys?

They may experience lower grades in school and engage in substance use and deviant behavior into early adulthood.

What is a common experience for boys regarding information about semenarche?

Boys rarely receive information from parents prior to the experience.

What is the effect of teasing on late-maturing girls?

They may experience negative body image before puberty.

What are the five features of emerging adulthood?

Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and a sense of broad possibilities.

What are the five steps of the scientific method?

1. Identify a problem, 2. Conduct background research, 3. Formulate a hypothesis, 4. Test the hypothesis through experimentation, 5. Analyze data and draw conclusions.

What ethical guidelines must be followed in research on adolescents?

Research must ensure the safety, confidentiality, and informed consent of adolescent participants.

What research methods are commonly used in studies of adolescents and emerging adults?

Methods include surveys, interviews, observational studies, and longitudinal studies.

What is the difference between reliability and validity in research?

Reliability refers to consistency of measurement, while validity refers to the accuracy of what is being measured; reliability is generally easier to establish.

What is the distinction between cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs?

Cross-sectional research compares different groups at one point in time, while longitudinal research follows the same group over a period of time.

What does 'identity explorations' in emerging adulthood involve?

Trying out possibilities in love and work, developing an identity, and understanding one's capabilities and limitations.

What does 'instability' refer to in the context of emerging adulthood?

Residential change and becoming more independent and self-sufficient.

What does 'self-focus' mean during emerging adulthood?

Focusing on oneself to develop knowledge, skills, and self-understanding.

What does 'feeling in-between' signify in emerging adulthood?

It is a transitional period where individuals do not feel quite like adults.

What does 'possibilities/optimism' indicate about emerging adulthood?

It reflects that little has been decided and is marked by optimism and great expectations.

In which cultures does emerging adulthood primarily exist?

Mainly in developed cultures.

What was the common age for children to work in the 19th century?

Adolescents often worked under difficult and unhealthy conditions.

What laws were passed in the early 20th century regarding children?

Laws requiring children to attend school.

What is the significance of the woodcut showing a printer's apprentice?

It illustrates the common practice of life-cycle service in Western countries from about 1500 to 1800.

What is the average age of marriage in relation to the transition to adulthood?

The average age of marriage is a marker of adulthood.

What does the term 'recapitulation' refer to in Hall's study of adolescence?

It suggests that adolescents go through stages that mirror the evolutionary history of humans.

What does the term 'storm and stress' imply in the context of adolescence?

It refers to the emotional turmoil and challenges often experienced during adolescence.

How has the perception of adulthood changed over time according to the notes?

There is a shift in the age at which individuals feel they have reached adulthood.

What is the significance of the figures presented in the notes regarding adulthood?

They illustrate age differences in perceptions of having reached adulthood.

At what age does the legal transition to adulthood typically occur?

Age 18

What are some common markers of adulthood?

Accepting responsibility for oneself, making independent decisions, and becoming financially independent.

How does the transition to adulthood differ in traditional, non-Western cultures?

It is often marked by marriage and interdependence, along with chronological age or physical development.

What is a significant marker of adulthood in traditional cultures?

Marriage.

What ethical guidelines must research on adolescents follow according to the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

Protection from physical and psychological harm, informed consent prior to participation, confidentiality, and debriefing.

What are some research methods used in studies on adolescents and emerging adults?

Questionnaires, interviews, observations, ethnographic research, case studies, biological measurements, and experimental research.

What distinguishes experimental research from other methods?

It involves an experimental group vs. a control group and examines independent vs. dependent variables.

What are natural experiments and how are they relevant to research?

Natural experiments involve studying participants in real-world settings, such as adoption studies and twin studies.

Define reliability in the context of research. What is validity?

Reliability refers to the consistency of measurements, while validity measures what it claims to measure.

Which is generally easier to establish in research, reliability or validity?

Reliability is easier to establish.

What is the difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs?

Cross-sectional studies sample people on a single occasion, while longitudinal studies follow the same people over time.

What is meant by attrition in longitudinal studies?

Attrition refers to the loss of participants over time in a longitudinal study.

What types of data can be collected through questionnaires?

Closed-question and open-ended question data.

What is a?

the Hypothalamus (GnRH neurons)

What is b?

the Pituitary gland (gonadotrophs)

What is c?

Gonads (Leydig cells)

What is d?

Visceral fat (adipose tissue)

What is that?

Oestradiol

What is that?

Aromatase

What is that?

Leptin

What is that?

Proinflammatory cytokines

What is that?

GnRH

What is that?

LH/FSH