Unit 3 Ap psych

Developmental Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

Nature vs. Nurture

A debate concerning the relative importance of an individual's innate qualities (nature) versus their personal experiences (nurture) in determining behavior.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model describing the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships, particularly between children and caregivers.

Critical Period

A specific time during development when the presence or absence of certain experiences has a dramatic effect on development.

Imprinting

A form of rapid learning that occurs during a brief receptive period, typically seen in birds, where they follow and become attached to the first moving object they encounter.

Cognitive Development

The process by which individuals acquire and develop intelligence and abstract thought throughout their lifespan.

Jean Piaget

A Swiss psychologist known for his work in developmental psychology, particularly his theory of cognitive development.

Stages of Cognitive Development

Piaget's theory includes four stages: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage of Piaget's cognitive development theory (birth to about 2 years), where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage (approximately 2 to 7 years), where children begin to use language and think symbolically but lack the ability to perform operations.

Concrete Operational Stage

The third stage (approximately 7 to 11 years), where children gain a better understanding of mental operations and understand concrete events.

Formal Operational Stage

The final stage (approximately 12 years and up), where individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and reason logically.

Lev Vygotsky

A Russian psychologist known for his sociocultural theory of cognitive development, emphasizing the role of social interaction.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks that a child can perform with the help of a more knowledgeable person but cannot yet perform independently.

Social Development

The process by which individuals learn to interact with others and navigate social structures.

Erik Erikson

A developmental psychologist known for his theory on psychosocial development comprising eight stages that individuals pass through from infancy to adulthood.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson's theory, occurring from birth to 1 year, where infants learn to trust their caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

The second stage (1-3 years), where toddlers learn to assert their independence.

Initiative vs. Guilt

The third stage (3-6 years), where children learn to initiate activities and develop a sense of purpose.

Industry vs. Inferiority

The fourth stage (6-12 years), where children learn to master skills and feel competent.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

The fifth stage (12-18 years), where adolescents explore personal identity and sense of self.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The sixth stage (young adulthood), where individuals form intimate relationships with others.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage (middle adulthood), where adults seek to create or nurture things that will outlast them.

Integrity vs. Despair

The eighth stage (old age), where individuals reflect on their lives and develop a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Cognitive Skills

The mental capabilities that involve the brain's ability to process, apply, and remember information.

Developmental Milestones

Key skills or behaviors that indicate typical growth patterns in children.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, developed during the Sensorimotor Stage.

Conservation

The understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance, developed during the Concrete Operational Stage.

Egocentrism

The inability to differentiate between oneself and others, characteristic of the Preoperational Stage.

Theory of Mind

The ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, emerging around the age of 4.

Secure Attachment

A strong emotional bond characterized by comfort and security between caregiver and child.

Insecure Attachment

An emotional bond that is less secure, including avoidant and ambivalent types.

Authoritarian Parenting

A strict parenting style that demands obedience and has little open dialogue with children.

Permissive Parenting

A parenting style characterized by low demands and high responsiveness.

Authoritative Parenting

A balanced parenting style that combines warmth and support with the establishment of rules.

Uninvolved Parenting

A neglectful parenting style that is low in both demands and responsiveness.

Adolescence

The developmental stage from approximately ages 12 to 18, characterized by physical, emotional, and social changes.

Developmental Tasks

The skills and competencies that individuals are expected to master at various stages of life.

Adulthood

The stage of development that follows adolescence, typically beginning in the late teens or early twenties.

Aging

The process of becoming older, encompassing physical, psychological, and emotional changes.

Lifespan Development

A holistic approach that considers the development of individuals from birth through old age.

Midlife Crisis

A period of emotional turmoil in middle adulthood often associated with self-reflection and reassessment.

Cognitive Aging

Changes in cognitive ability that often occur with aging, including memory loss and diminished problem-solving skills.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and adopt the norms, values, and behaviors of their society.

Personal Development

The lifelong process of self-improvement and growth in various aspects of life, including emotional and social.

Crisis of Faith

A period during which an individual questions their beliefs, often occurring in young adulthood.

Affect & Emotion

The experience of feeling or emotion, influencing behavior and decision-making throughout development.

Resilience

The ability to adapt successfully in the face of adversity or challenges, significant in developmental psychology.

Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach aimed at helping children express their feelings and resolve issues through play.

Positive Psychology

The study of what makes life worth living and fostering positive human functioning.

Life Stages

Different periods in a person's life, defined by specific characteristics, tasks, and challenges.

Developmental Models

Theoretical frameworks that outline the stages and complexities of human development.