Key Concepts in Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology

The study of how humans develop and change over time.

Lifespan Developmental Perspective

Examines changes from conception to death, including how individuals feel, think, and act at different ages.

Nature vs. Nurture

Explores the influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on development.

Conception

The fertilization of the egg by sperm, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Zygote

A single cell containing the necessary genetic information to develop into a human being.

Germinal Stage

The first two weeks of prenatal development, where the zygote forms a blastocyst.

Blastocyst

A structure formed during the early development of a mammal, which differentiates into three layers.

Embryonic Stage

Weeks 3-8 of prenatal development, focusing on the development of vital organs and body structures.

Fetal Stage

From week 9 to birth, where major structural differentiation is completed and finer features develop.

Cephalocaudal Pattern

Development from head to tail.

Proximodistal Pattern

Development from the center of the body outward.

Prenatal Development Trimesters

Divided into three phases, each marked by significant growth and development milestones.

Viability

The ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb, typically achieved by 32 to 34 weeks.

Reflexes

Innate, automatic responses to stimuli essential for survival during infancy.

Gross Motor Skills

Involves large muscle movements, such as walking and jumping.

Fine Motor Skills

Involves smaller muscle movements, such as grasping and writing.

Malnutrition Effects

Impacts physical and cognitive development, leading to long-term adverse effects.

Puberty

The physical changes that lead to sexual maturity, initiated by hormonal changes.

Menopause

The average period in women's lives (early 50s) marking the end of reproductive capability.

Ageism

Discrimination against individuals based on their age.

Cognitive Development

Changes in thinking methods, language ability, memory strategies, and underpins aspects of human functioning.

Jean Piaget

Swiss psychologist known for his cognitive theory focusing on how children learn and construct knowledge.

Schemas

Patterns of thinking that help individuals organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

Process of incorporating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adjusting existing schemas to fit new information.

Sensorimotor Stage

Stage of cognitive development from birth to 24 months where infants explore through sensory experiences.

Preoperational Stage

Stage from 2 to 7 years involving symbolic play and rapid language development.

Concrete Operational Stage

Stage from 7 to 11 years where children become proficient in operational thinking with tangible objects.

Formal Operational Stage

Stage from 12 years onwards characterized by abstract thinking and logical reasoning.

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes social interactions, cultural context, and language in shaping cognitive abilities.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Range of tasks a learner can perform with assistance but not independently.

Scaffolding

Support and guidance provided to facilitate a learner's development within the ZPD.

Attention

Ability to focus mental resources on specific stimuli or tasks while ignoring others.

Perception

Organizing and interpreting sensory information from the environment.

Language Acquisition

The process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive and comprehend language.

Memory Development

Acquisition, storage, and retrieval of information over time.

Thinking

Problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning processes.

Learning

Acquisition of knowledge and skills through experience, study, or instruction.

Executive Functioning

Higher-order cognitive processes that regulate and control other cognitive functions to achieve goals and solve problems.

Cognitive Changes in Older Adulthood

Changes in cognitive processes as individuals age, including memory and decision-making abilities.

Joint Attention

Focusing on objects or events others are attending to, enhancing social interaction.

Telegraphic Speech

Early speech stage in which children use short, simple sentences consisting of content words.