Untitled Flashcard Set

Nature and nurture

The interaction between genetic inheritance (nature) and experiences (nurture) that influences development.

Continuity and stages

The debate on whether development is gradual and continuous like riding an escalator, or progresses through distinct stages like climbing a ladder.

Stability and change

Exploration of which traits persist through life and how individuals change as they age.

Zygote

The fertilized egg from conception to 2 weeks.

Embryo

The developing organism from 2 weeks to 9 weeks after conception.

Fetus

The developing organism from 9 weeks to birth.

Teratogens

Agents such as viruses and drugs that can harm an embryo or fetus during prenatal development.

Attachment

An emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver.

Sensorimotor stage

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development, where infants learn about the world through their senses and actions.

Object permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, typically developed by 8 months within the sensorimotor stage.

Egocentrism

Inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others, characteristic of preoperational children.

Theory of mind

The ability to infer the mental states of others, developing in early childhood.

Maturation

The orderly sequence of biological growth and development, which is largely genetically predetermined.

Alzheimer’s disease

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

Cognitive decline

The deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning abilities, often associated with aging.

Social clock

The culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement.

Identity vs. role confusion

Erikson's psychosocial developmental challenge during adolescence, where individuals explore different roles to form a coherent self-identity.

Emerging adulthood

A developmental stage typically occurring from ages 18 to mid-twenties when individuals explore various aspects of adulthood.

Intimacy vs. isolation

Erikson's challenge during young adulthood that centers on forming close relationships while avoiding isolation.

Generativity vs. stagnation

The challenge in middle adulthood where individuals must find ways to contribute to society and support future generations.

Integrity vs. despair

The final psychosocial stage in late adulthood where individuals reflect on their life and feel either fulfillment or regret.