Untitled Flashcards Set

Longitudinal Study

Research in which the same individuals are studied over a long period.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research that compares individuals of different ages at the same point in time.

Case Study

In-depth study of a single individual or small group.

Naturalistic Observation

Studying behavior in its natural environment without interference.

Experimentation Ethics

Researchers cannot expose participants to harm; they must follow ethical guidelines.

Teratogens

Harmful agents like drugs, alcohol, or mercury that can negatively impact prenatal development.

Critical Period

A specific time during which an organism is particularly sensitive to environmental influences.

Effects of Teratogens

Different body parts and organs are affected at different times during prenatal development.

Rooting Reflex

Newborns turn their head when their cheek is touched.

Motor Development

Follows a universal sequence, but timing varies (e.g., holding a bottle before fine motor control develops).

Maturation

Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior.

Assimilation

Interpreting new experiences in terms of existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adjusting schemas to incorporate new information.

Object Permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance.

Egocentrism

The inability of a child to take another person’s perspective.

Telegraphic Speech

Early speech stage where children use two-word phrases.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to solve new problems quickly; declines with age.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and skills; remains stable or improves with age.

Language Acquisition

Best learned at a young age due to brain plasticity.

Theory of Mind

Understanding that others have thoughts and perspectives different from one’s own.

Attachment Styles

Secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant, and disorganized.

Authoritative Parenting

High warmth and moderate discipline; encourages open communication.

Authoritarian Parenting

Strict, high expectations with little warmth.

Permissive Parenting

High warmth, few rules or structure.

Neglectful Parenting

Uninvolved in child’s life.

Trust vs. Mistrust

(Infancy) Learning to trust caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

(Toddlerhood) Developing independence.

Initiative vs. Guilt

(Early Childhood) Beginning to take control of actions.

Industry vs. Inferiority

(Middle Childhood) Comparing abilities with peers.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

(Adolescence) Establishing personal identity.