Developmental Psychology Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, theories, and stages in developmental psychology based on the lecture notes.

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of psychological change over time.

Psychosocial Development

Erikson's theory that individuals go through eight stages in their lifetime, facing specific crises that lead to virtues or challenges.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of Erikson’s theory (0-1 year), where infants learn whether they can trust their caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Doubt

Erikson's second stage (1-3 years), focusing on gaining a sense of independence and confidence.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third stage (3-6 years), where children assert control and power over their environment.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage (6-11 years), focusing on success in school and social interactions.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage (11-18 years), where adolescents explore their independence and sense of self.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage (young adulthood), focusing on forming meaningful relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage (middle adulthood), where individuals seek to create or nurture things that will outlast them.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage (old age), where individuals reflect on their life and feel either fulfilled or regretful.

Developmental Plasticity

The ability of an organism to be shaped by its environment at various points in its development.

Critical Period

A developmental phase more favorable for certain experiences to have an effect.It is a time during which the presence or absence of specific stimuli has a profound impact on development. For example, language acquisition or attachment in infants. It is related to developmental plasticity and suggests that while learning can occur beyond this time, it is optimal during the sensitive period.

Sensitive Period

A time during an organism’s life when it is more sensitive to certain environmental stimuli. This phase is crucial for certain types of learning, such as language and emotional attachment, and highlights the concept of developmental plasticity. This period suggests that while experiences can shape development at any age, there are optimal times for receiving specific inputs for effective learning.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetic inheritance and environmental factors to human development.This ongoing discussion examines how much of our behavior, personality, and traits are influenced by our biology versus our experiences. It explores the extent to which genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) shapes our characteristics and behaviors.

Cognitive Development

The construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem-solving, and decision-making from childhood through adolescence.It involves how children acquire, organize, and use knowledge to understand the world. This area of study examines various stages of cognitive growth as theorized by psychologists like Jean Piaget.

Behaviorism

The theory that human development is shaped by conditioning through rewards and punishments.

Constructivist Theory

Piaget's approach that suggests children learn by actively constructing their understanding of the world.This theory emphasizes that knowledge is built through experiences and interactions rather than being passively absorbed.

Sociocultural Theory

Vygotsky’s perspective that emphasises the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development.It posits that learning occurs through the guidance of more knowledgeable others, and that cultural tools and symbolsplay a significant role in shaping thinking.

Eclectic Theoretical Orientation

An approach that combines elements from various theories to provide a more comprehensive understanding of development.This orientation acknowledges that no single theory can fully explain the complexities of human development, embracing multiple perspectives to address diverse learning needs.