Developmental Psychology Comprehensive Midterm Review

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Developmental Psychology midterm review notes covering Modules 1 through 4.

Life-Span Development

The study of physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception to death.

Plasticity

The ability to change throughout life.

Directionality

The principle that development involves growth, stability, and change.

Four Principles of Development

The foundational principles stating that development is lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, and plastic.

Emerging Adulthood

Developmental period from ages 18 to 25 characterized by identity exploration, independence, and instability.

Freud's Theory

Psychosexual theory of human development.

Erikson's Theory

Theory centered around psychosocial crises across the lifespan.

Piaget's Theory

Theory focused on cognitive developmental stages.

Vygotsky's Theory

Theory emphasizing social learning and scaffolding in cognitive development.

Skinner's Theory

Theory based on operant conditioning.

Bandura's Theory

Theory based on observational learning.

Experiment Method

Research method designed to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Correlation Method

Research method used to determine relationships between variables without establishing causality.

Genes

Segments of DNA.

Chromosomes

Structures carrying genetic material, totaling 46 individual chromosomes or 23 pairs in humans.

Alleles

Different forms of genes.

Genotype

An individual's underlying genetic makeup.

Phenotype

An individual's observable physical and behavioral traits.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in 2 identical body cells.

Meiosis

Cell division resulting in 4 genetically unique sex cells.

Sex Determination

Process where the father determines the baby's sex because sperm carries either an X or Y chromosome, while the egg always carries an X chromosome.

Germinal Stage

Prenatal stage lasting from 0 to 2 weeks involving fertilization, cell division, and implantation.

Embryonic Stage

Prenatal stage lasting from weeks 2 to 8 during which organs begin forming, the heart starts beating, and risk from teratogens is highest.

Fetal Stage

Prenatal stage lasting from 9 weeks to birth characterized by rapid growth, movement, and organ maturation.

Teratogens

External agents including alcohol, smoking, drugs, radiation, and some infections; alcohol exposure can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Infertility

Failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex.

Premature Birth

Birth occurring before 37 weeks.

Baby Blues

Mild, common postpartum emotional state that lasts for a few days.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum mood disorder that is longer-lasting and more severe than baby blues.

Postpartum Psychosis

A rare postpartum psychiatric emergency.

Birth Attendants

Medical professionals who assist during birth: obstetrician, family physician, and certified nurse-midwife.

Stages of Childbirth

Three-stage process: 1) labor & dilation, 2) baby delivered, 3) placenta delivered.

Newborn Senses

Smell, taste, hearing, and touch are the strongest senses at birth, while vision is the weakest.

APGAR Scale

Assessment administered at 1 and 5 minutes post-birth evaluating Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.