Licht Chapter 8 Psychology

Developmental psychology

psychology field that examines age-related physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes across a human’s life

Maturation

a universal, biologically determined process of physical growth

Cross-sectional method

examining individuals of different ages at a single point in time

Longitudinal method

examining a sample of individuals over a certain time period for age-related changes

Cross-sequential method

examining groups of individuals of different ages over a certain period of time (costly + needs a large group)

Cohort effect

differences across groups that are caused by common experiences within these groups

Chromosomes

threadlike structures composed of DNA

DNA

protein molecule that provides directions and instructions for cell development and production

Gene

specific segment of DNA

Monozygotic twins

identical twins, developed from one inseminated egg which split apart into 2 separate zygotes

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins, 2 eggs inseminated by two sperm and are genetically identical as any pair of siblings

Turner syndrome

One X chromosome; short stature, underdeveloped ovaries and fertility issues

Klinefelter’s Syndrome

XXY chromosome; tall stature, breast development, underdeveloped secondary sex characteristics

Genotype

the collection of an individual’s genes

Phenotype

the physical expression of genetic inheritance of individuals

Germinal period

conception - 2nd week; implanting in uterine wall, rapid growth

Embryonic period

3rd - 8th week; cell differentiation, major organ systems begin to develop, first heartbeat and GI system develops

Fetal period

3rd month - birth; rapid growth, sleep-wake cycles present, brain weight 1/4th of an adult’s

Teratogens

environmental dangers to an embryo

Reflexes

automatic responses to stimuli

Rooting

when cheek is touched, infant turns head towards this

Sucking

when object placed near infant mouth, will suck on object

Grasping

when given object, infant naturally grasps at it

Babinski Reflex

when sole of foot is touched, infant fans out toes and curls them back

Stepping

when placed on floor, infant will make stepping motions

Moro Reflex

after an abrupt noise or movement, infant will extend arms, legs and head

Synaptic pruning

unused synaptic connections will be eliminated

Rosenzweig’s Rats

rats with an enriched environment experienced greater increases in brain weight and synaptic connections

Cooing

2-3 months; are vowel-like sounds

Babbling

4-6 months; combined constants, meaningless sounds but sound like real words

Holophrase

~12 months; nouns used to convey entire messages

Telegraphic speech

~18 months; two-word phrases including most important parts of sentences

Schema

collection of ideas that represent a basic unit of understanding

Assimilation

using existing knowledge and ideas to understand new info and experiences

Accommodation

restructuring old ideas to make a place for new ideas