Untitled Flashcards Set

Lifespan Development

The study of human development across all ages, from conception to death, including biological, cognitive, and socioemotional changes.

Multidimensional Development

Development involving physical, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions.

Plasticity

The adaptability of human development to different circumstances and experiences.

Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s theory emphasizing the influence of different layers of the environment on development.

Longitudinal Study

A research method that follows the same individuals over time to track development.

Genetics and Heredity

The role of genes in development and the nature vs. nurture debate.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can harm the developing fetus, such as drugs and alcohol.

Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory

A theory proposing that cognitive development occurs in four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Secure Attachment

A healthy attachment with caregivers that leads to confidence and emotional security.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage: Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage of psychosocial development where infants learn to trust their caregivers.

Concrete Operational Stage

A stage in Piaget's theory where children develop logical thinking, understanding conservation, and classification.

Self-Concept

The individual’s perception of their own identity and personal attributes.

Moral Development (Kohlberg)

The development of moral reasoning through stages from preconventional to postconventional morality.

Information Processing Theory

Focuses on how children encode, store, and retrieve information, and how cognitive capacities improve over time.

Attachment Theory (Bowlby)

The theory highlighting the significance of early attachment bonds in emotional development.

Insecure Attachment

Attachment styles that are disorganized, anxious, or avoidant, which can lead to emotional and behavioral issues.

Fetal Stage

The stage of prenatal development from eight weeks to birth, characterized by continued growth of organs and systems.

Theory of Mind

The ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, developing around ages 3-5.

Information Processing

Improvements in attention, memory, and problem-solving during childhood.

Emotional Regulation

The development of the ability to control and express emotions appropriately.

Peer Relationships

The growing importance of friendships and peer groups in child development.

Erikson’s Stage of Industry vs. Inferiority

A psychosocial stage in middle childhood where children develop competence or feel inferior based on experiences.