HomeDevelopmental Psychology Flashcards Stability & Change ● The debate about which aspects of development remain stable over time and which change. Nature vs. Nurture ● The debate over whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) shapes human development. Continuous Development ● Development that occurs gradually and cumulatively over time. Discontinuous Development ● Development that occurs in distinct stages with qualitative changes. 3.2 - Physical Development Across the Lifespan Teratogens ● Substances that can cause harm to a developing fetus (e.g., drugs, alcohol, viruses). Maternal Illness ● Diseases or infections in a mother that can impact fetal development (e.g., rubella, HIV). Genetic Mutation ● Changes in DNA sequences that can lead to developmental differences or disorders. Hormonal Factors ● Hormones influencing growth, development, and behavior. Environmental Factors ● External influences on development, such as nutrition and social conditions. Physical Development ● Changes in body structure and function across the lifespan. Visual Cliff & Depth Perception ● A study that tests infants' ability to perceive depth. Fine Motor Coordination ● Small, precise movements (e.g., writing, using utensils). Gross Motor Coordination ● Large movements using major muscles (e.g., walking, running). Rooting Reflex ● A newborn's reflex to turn toward a touch on the cheek and open their mouth. Growth Spurt ● A rapid increase in height and weight during puberty. Puberty ● The stage of development when a person becomes capable of reproduction. Primary Sex Characteristics ● Reproductive organs and structures present at birth. Secondary Sex Characteristics ● Non-reproductive traits that develop during puberty (e.g., body hair, voice changes). Menarche ● The first menstrual period in females. Spermarche ● The first ejaculation in males. Menopause ● The natural cessation of menstruation and reproductive ability in females. 3.3 - Gender & Sexual Orientation Gender Typing ● The process of learning cultural gender roles. Gender Norms ● Societal expectations about behaviors based on gender. Sexuality ● A person's sexual orientation, behavior, and identity. Gender Identity ● A person's internal sense of their own gender. 3.4 - Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan Jean Piaget ● A psychologist known for his theory of cognitive development. Sensorimotor Stage ● Piaget’s first stage (0-2 years), where infants learn through sensory experiences. Object Permanence ● The understanding that objects exist even when not visible. Preoperational Stage ● Piaget’s second stage (2-7 years), characterized by symbolic thinking and egocentrism. Conservation ● Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance. Reversibility ● The ability to mentally reverse a sequence of events or operations. Animism ● The belief that inanimate objects have feelings and intentions. Egocentrism ● The inability to see the world from another's perspective. Theory of Mind ● The ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from one’s own. Concrete Operational Stage ● Piaget’s third stage (7-11 years), where logical thinking about concrete objects develops. Formal Operational Stage ● Piaget’s final stage (12+ years), involving abstract and hypothetical thinking. Lev Vygotsky ● A psychologist known for his theory on social development and learning. Scaffolding ● Providing support to a learner which is gradually removed as competence increases. Zone of Proximal Development ● The difference between what a child can do alone and what they can do with help. Crystallized Intelligence ● Accumulated knowledge and skills that improve with age. Fluid Intelligence ● The ability to solve new problems and think abstractly, which declines with age. Dementia ● A decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Ecological Systems Theory Microsystem ● The immediate environment surrounding an individual (e.g., family, school). Mesosystem ● The interactions between different parts of a person's microsystem (e.g., parent-teacher relationship). Exosystem ● Environmental settings that indirectly affect a person (e.g., parent’s workplace). Macrosystem ● The broader cultural and social influences on an individual. Chronosystem ● The impact of time and historical context on development. Parenting & Attachment Authoritarian Parenting ● A strict, high-demand parenting style with little warmth or flexibility. Authoritative Parenting ● A balanced parenting style that is both demanding and responsive. Permissive Parenting ● A lenient parenting style with few rules and little discipline. Secure Attachment ● A strong, healthy emotional bond between a child and caregiver. Insecure Avoidant Attachment ● A child avoids the caregiver and shows little emotion when separated. Insecure Anxious Attachment ● A child is overly dependent on the caregiver and shows distress when separated. Insecure Disorganized Attachment ● A child shows inconsistent behavior toward the caregiver, often linked to trauma. Separation Anxiety ● Distress experienced by infants when separated from their primary caregiver. Developmental Psychology Concepts Social Clock ● The culturally preferred timing of life events (e.g., marriage, parenthood). Emerging Adulthood ● A transitional period (18-25 years) between adolescence and full adulthood. Psychosocial Development ● Erik Erikson’s theory of how individuals develop social and emotional identity. Erik Erikson ● A psychologist known for his eight-stage theory of psychosocial development. Trust vs. Mistrust ● Infancy stage: Learning whether the world is trustworthy or not. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt ● Toddler stage: Developing independence and confidence. Industry vs. Inferiority ● Childhood stage: Developing a sense of competence and achievement. Identity vs. Role Confusion ● Adolescence: Exploring personal identity and values. Intimacy vs. Isolation ● Young adulthood: Developing close, committed relationships. Generativity vs. Stagnation ● Middle adulthood: Contributing to society and helping the next generation. Integrity vs. Despair ● Late adulthood: Reflecting on life with a sense of fulfillment or regret. Other Important Terms Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) ● Traumatic events in childhood that can impact long-term development. Achievement ● Commitment to a personal identity following exploration. Diffusion ● Lack of direction or commitment in personal identity development. Foreclosure ● Commitment to an identity without exploration, often based on parental expectations. Moratorium ● Actively exploring identity but not yet committed to a final choice. Imprinting ● see. A rapid form of attachment seen in animals where they follow the first moving object they Attachment ● An emotional bond between individuals, especially between a child and caregiver. Temperament ● An individual’s natural disposition and emotional reactivity