AP Psych - Unit 3.1-3.3 Vocab

Developmental Psychology

Study of how people grow, develop, and change throughout their lives

Chronological Development

Follows sequential stages from birth to old age and encompasses physical, cognitive, and social growth.

Stability

Traits and behaviors that remain consistent over time

Change

Traits and behaviors that evolve as individuals grow

Nature

Genetic inheritance and biological factors

Nurture

Environmental influences and experiences that shape behavior and development.

Continuous Development

Gradual and lifelong processes of growth and change

Discontinuous Development

Development occurs in distinct stages with abrupt shifts

Cross-Sectional Research

Studies different age groups at one point in time

Longitudinal Research

Follows the same individuals over an extended period

Mental Processes

Internal experiences such as thoughts, emotions, and motivations

Teratogens

Harmful agents like drugs, alcohol, and certain chemicals

Maternal Illnesses

Diseases such as rubella or HIV that can affect fetal development

Genetic Mutations

Changes in DNA that can lead to development disorders

Hormonal and Environmental Factors

Maternal stress and exposure to pollutants

Fine Motor Coordination

Small muscle movements, like grasping and manipulating objects

Gross Motor Coordination

Large muscle movements, like crawling, walking, and jumping

Rooting Reflex

Helps infants find mother’s feeding location

Moro Reflex

Startle response to a sudden loss of support

Visual Cliff Experiment

Assesses infants’ depth perception

Critical Periods

Specific times when certain experiences are essential for development

Sensitive Periods

Times when the brain is particularly receptive to certain stimuli

Imprinting

Immediate attachment to the first moving object seen

Adolescence

Significant physical and psychological changes

Primary Sex Characteristics

Development of reproductive organs

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Other bodily changes during puberty

Menarche

First menstrual period

Spermarche

First production of sperm

Sex

Biological differences between males and females

Gender

Social and cultural roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men and women

Parental Expectations

Parents may have different expectations based on the child’s sex

Peer Interactions

Children often play with same-sex peers, leading to gender-typed play styles

Self-concept and self-esteem

Gender roles and expectations influence how individuals view themselves

Social Learning Theory

Learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modeling and is influenced by attention, motivation, attitudes, and emotions.

Androgyny

Having both masculine and feminine characteristics