AP PSYCH 3.1-3.2

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Nature Nurture Interaction

development shaped by interaction of genetic predispositions and environmental experiences

Developmental Psychology

study of physical cognitive and social emotional development across the lifespan

Continuity Development

development as gradual cumulative change over time

Stage Development

development occurring in discrete biologically driven stages

Stability Development

persistence of traits across the lifespan

Change Development

alteration of traits and behaviors across time

Cross Sectional Study

method comparing individuals of different ages at one time

Longitudinal Study

method following the same individuals across time

Temperament

biologically based emotional and behavioral tendencies

Infantile Amnesia

inability to consciously recall early childhood experiences

Zygote

single cell formed by sperm and egg fusion

Germinal Stage

first two weeks after conception marked by cell division and implantation

Embryo

developing human from implantation to eighth week

Fetus

developing human from ninth week to birth

Placenta

organ transferring nutrients oxygen and waste between mother and fetus

Teratogen

agent that disrupts prenatal development

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

developmental impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

severe FASD marked by physical and cognitive abnormalities

Epigenetics

environmentally driven chemical regulation of gene expression

Habituation

decreased response to repeated stimulation

Newborn Reflexes

automatic survival responses present at birth

Maturation

biologically programmed sequence of growth

Neuroplasticity

brain capacity to reorganize with experience

Synaptic Pruning

elimination of unused neural connections

Critical Period

limited window for normal skill development

Sensitive Period

optimal time for learning specific skills

Gross Motor Development

coordination of large muscle movements

Fine Motor Development

coordination of small muscle movements

Cerebellum

brain region coordinating balance and motor learning

Hippocampus

brain structure involved in memory formation

Prefrontal Cortex

brain region responsible for planning judgment and impulse control

Adolescence

period from puberty to independent adulthood

Puberty

sexual maturation triggered by hormonal changes

Menarche

first menstrual period

Limbic System

brain system involved in emotion and reward

Storm and Stress

period of heightened emotional and behavioral instability in adolescence

Emerging Adulthood

transitional period from late teens to mid twenties

Early Adulthood

developmental period of twenties and thirties

Middle Adulthood

developmental period extending to about age sixty five

Late Adulthood

developmental period beginning after age sixty five

Menopause

cessation of menstruation due to hormonal decline

Life Expectancy

average predicted lifespan of a population

Aging Immune Decline

age related weakening of immune function

Processing Speed

rate at which cognitive tasks are performed

Neurogenesis

production of new neurons in the brain

Brain Atrophy

age related loss of brain volume

Blood Brain Barrier Breakdown

age related increased permeability contributing to cognitive decline

Exercise Induced Neuroprotection

exercise related preservation of brain structure and function

Longevity

extended lifespan influenced by biology and lifestyle

Sex Ratio Difference

higher male mortality across the lifespan