Psychology definitions chapter 1 and 2

Normative life influences

Typical events or experiences that most people in a specific culture or age group encounters, such as starting school or retirement.

Non normative life influences

Despite sharing an age and history with our peers, each individual also has unique experiences that may shape our development, these life events are not typical of the age group, such as losing parents at a young age

Cultural relativity

Cultural relativity is an appreciation for cultural differences and understanding that cultural practices are best understood from the stand point of that perticular culture

Life span

Life span or longevity referes to the length of time a species can exist under the most optimal conditions

Life expectancy

Life expectancy is the predictable number of years a person borm in a a perticular time period can reasonably expect to live

Teratogens

Teratogens are environmental factors that can contribute to birth defects, and include some maternal diseases, pollutants, drugs and alcohol

Puberty

Adolescence is a period of dramatic physical change marked by an overall growth spurt and sexual maturation, known as puberty

Descriptive research

Descriptive research is a research that describes what is occurring at a perticular point in time

Correlational research

Correlational research is a research designed to discover relationships among thr variables and to allow the prediction of future events from present knowledge

Experimental research

Experimental research is a research in which a researcher manipulates one or more variables to see their effects

Heredity

Heredity is the genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offsprings

Mitosis

Mitosis is defined as the cells nucleus making an exact copy of all the chromosomes and splitting them into two new cells

Meiosis

In meiosis the gametes chromosomes duplicate, and then divide twice resulting in four cells containing only half of the genetic material of the original gametes

Genotypes

Genotypes refers to the sum total of all the genes a individual inherets

Phenotype

Phenotypes refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an individual, such as height, eye colour or behaviour

Homozygous

Homozygous means that the individual receives either the same version of a gene from their mother and father

Heterozygous

Heterozygous means that the individual receives a different version of the gene from each parent

Genes

genes are specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that acts as instructions (a recipe) for making Proteins, which determines the traits and functions in the body.