Development in Infancy and Childhood

These flashcards cover key concepts related to attachment, cognitive, and moral development in infancy and childhood as discussed in the lecture.

What is the definition of attachment in infancy and childhood?

Attachment is a bond that forms between a baby and their caregiver.

Who are the three key figures associated with attachment theory?

Conrad Lorenz, Harry Harlow, and Mary Ainsworth.

What is imprinting as discovered by Conrad Lorenz?

Imprinting is the process where young animals follow and form a bond with the first moving object they see after birth.

What did Harry Harlow's studies with rhesus monkeys reveal about attachment?

Attachment is based more on comfort and emotional security than on sustenance.

What is the Strange Situation Test developed by Mary Ainsworth?

It is a 21-minute observational assessment to explore the attachment relationships that infants develop with their primary caregivers.

What are the four attachment styles revealed by the Strange Situation Test?

Secure attachment, insecure-resistant attachment, insecure-avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment.

What characterizes a securely attached infant?

They show a healthy level of independence and exploration, are minimally distressed by caregiver's absence, and are happy upon reunion.

What defines an insecure-resistant attachment style?

The child is very clingy and resistant to separation, often due to inconsistent responses from the caregiver.

What behavior is typically seen in infants with an insecure-avoidant attachment style?

They show little interest in the parent upon return and may actively avoid them.

What is disorganized attachment, and why is it concerning?

It is when children show confusion or contradictory behaviors when the parent returns, often linked to experiences of abuse or neglect.

What is the main focus of Lawrence Kohlberg’s research?

Moral understanding and development in children through their reasoning processes.

Describe Heinz's dilemma as used in Kohlberg's study.

Heinz's dilemma presents a scenario where Heinz must decide whether to steal a drug to save his dying wife.

What are the three stages of moral development according to Kohlberg?

Preconventional morality, conventional morality, and post-conventional morality.

What happens to cognitive development during adolescence?

Individuals enter Piaget's formal operational stage, allowing for abstract thinking and complex decision-making.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent development?

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive processes like impulse control and risk assessment.

What are James Marcia's four identity statuses?

Foreclosed identity, identity diffusion, psychosocial moratorium, and identity achievement.

What characterizes an individual in identity diffusion?

They have made no decisions or commitments about their identity and feel confused.

What does psychosocial moratorium involve?

Exploration of options without making definitive commitments about one’s identity.

What is identity achievement?

It is when an individual has explored options and committed to their identity.