Chapter 1: The Science of Human Development

A vocabulary-based set of flashcards covering core concepts from Chapter 1: The Science of Human Development.

Life-span perspective

The study of patterns of change over time from conception to death; development is multidirectional, multicontextual, multicultural, multidisciplinary, and plastic.

Multidirectional

Development includes growth, decline, stability, and varying patterns across time.

Continuous development

Changes occur gradually and smoothly without distinct stages.

Discontinuous development

Development occurs in qualitatively separate stages.

Critical period

A limited time during which certain experiences have a lasting impact on development.

Sensitive period

A time when certain experiences are especially important, though not strictly required.

Infancy (0-2 years)

The period from birth to age 2.

Early childhood (2-6 years)

A developmental stage spanning ages 2 to 6.

Middle childhood (6-11 years)

A developmental stage spanning ages 6 to 11.

Adolescence (11-18 years)

A developmental stage spanning ages 11 to 18.

Emerging adulthood (18-25 years)

A developmental stage spanning ages 18 to 25.

Adulthood (25-65 years)

A developmental stage spanning ages 25 to 65.

Late adulthood (65+ years)

A developmental stage for age 65 and older.

Development is multicontxtual

Human development is shaped by physical surroundings, family, community, social and historical contexts, and socioeconomic factors.

Ecological systems theory

Bronfenbrenner’s model in which a person is affected by nested social contexts; multiple systems influence development.

Culture

A system of shared beliefs, norms, behaviors, and expectations that persists over time and guides behavior; culture is a social construct.

Difference-equals-deficit error

The mistaken belief that any deviation from the norm is inferior to what is considered mainstream.

Ethnic group

People whose ancestors were born in the same region and who often share language, culture, and religion.

Race

A group distinguished by physical appearance or by social categorization.

Multiple identities

Different aspects of identity (e.g., SES, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity) interaction with culture to influence development.

Socioeconomic status

An individual's or family's social and economic position, based on income, education, and occupation.

Nationality

The country of one's citizenship or origin; part of identity influencing development.

Ethnicity

Shared culture, language, and heritage within a group.

Sexual orientation

An individual's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction.

Gender identity

A person’s internal sense of their own gender.

Multidisciplinary

Three domains of development (biosocial, cognitive, psychosocial) studied across multiple disciplines.

Biosocial

The domain combining biological and social factors in development.

Cognitive

The domain related to mental processes such as thinking and learning.

Psychosocial

The domain involving emotions, identity, and social relationships.

Plastic

The ability of development to be molded (malleable) while retaining some durability of identity.

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Dynamic-systems approach

A view of development emphasizing interrelated factors and the integration of social and cultural influences over time.

Scientific method

A systematic, empirical process used to answer questions and reach data-based conclusions.

Scientific observation

Systematically and objectively recording behavior.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation or educated guess tested in research.

Independent variable

The variable that the researcher deliberately manipulates.

Dependent variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of the manipulation.

Experimental group

The group that receives the treatment or intervention of the independent variable.

Control group

The group that does not receive the special treatment, used as a baseline.

Cross-sectional research

A study design comparing different age groups at one point in time.

Longitudinal research

A study design collecting data from the same individuals over time.

Cross-sequential research

A study design combining cross-sectional and longitudinal methods to study multiple age groups over time.

Correlations

A statistical measure of the association between two variables; does not imply causation.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

A committee that ensures research follows ethical guidelines and protects participants.

Informed consent

Participants understand procedures and risks and agree to participate.

Ethics

Principles governing humane and responsible research, including voluntary participation and confidentiality.

Replication

Repeating a study to verify results.

Intersectionality

The idea that multiple aspects of identity (e.g., race, gender, class) intersect to shape development.