Comprehensive Developmental Psychology and Environmental Influences

Scaffolding

Vystoksky term for temporary cognitive structures or methods of solving problems that help the child as he or she learns to function independently

Macrosystem

The basic institutions and ideologies that influence the child

Chronosystem

The environmental changes that occur over time and have an effect on the child

Mesosystem

The interlocking settings that influence the child such as the interaction of the school and the larger community

Microsystem

The immediate settings with which the child interacts such as the home, the school, and peers

APGAR scale

apperance

pulse

grimiace

activity level

respiratory effort

Adaptation

The interaction between the organism and the environment consisting of assimilation and accommodation

Assimilation

The incorporation of new events or knowledge into existing schemes

Cognitive developmental theory

The stage theory that holds that the child's abilities to mentally represent the world and solve problems unfold as a result of the interaction of experience and the maturation of neurological structures.

Social cognitive theory

A cognitively oriented learning theory that emphasizes observational learning

Life crisis

An internal conflict that attends each stage of psychosocial development

Identity Crisis

According to Erikson, a period of inner conflict during which one examines one's values and makes decisions about one's life roles

Psychosocial development

Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of social relationships and conscious choice throughout eight stages of development

Developmental psychology

The discipline that studies human physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development

Ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their environment

Ecological systems theory

The view that explains child development in terms of the reciprocal influences between children and environmental settings

Intrauterine insemination

A method of assisted reproduction in which sperm are injected directly into the uterus

Progestin

A synthetic hormone used to maintain pregnancy that can cause masculinization

DES

Diethylstilbestrol, an estrogen that has been linked to cancer in the reproductive organs of children of women who used the hormone when pregnant

Prostaglandins

Hormones that stimulate uterine contractions

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates labor contractions

Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale

A measure of a newborn's motor behavior, response to stress, adaptive behavior, and control over physiological state