Psych Exam 3

developmental psychology

examines physical, cognitive, social development across lifespan

cross-sectional studies

comparing ppl of diff ages at same point in time

longitudinal studies

follows and retests same ppl across time

chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

DNA

a molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

genes

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA

heredity

the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

genome

the complete instructions for making an organism, consists of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes

environment

every external influence, from prenatal nutrition to social support in later life

interaction

the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

epigenetics

the study of the molecular ways by which environments can influence gene expression (without a DNA change)