Development and Learning

These flashcards cover key concepts, vocabulary, and theories related to development and learning in psychology.

Developmental Psychology

Studies human growth across the whole lifespan.

Cross Sectional Study

Research that compares people of different ages at the same point in time.

Longitudinal Study

Research that follows and retests the same people over time.

Nature vs Nurture

The study of the relative influence of genetics and environment on development.

Continuity

The idea that development is a slow and continuous shaping process.

Stages

Refers to genetically predisposed stages of development emphasized by nature advocates.

Stability

Traits that persist throughout life.

Change

Traits that can change and adapt throughout life.

Prenatal Development

Development occurring from zygote to fetus.

Teratogens

Agents that can cause harm during prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Physical and cognitive deficits in children due to heavy drinking by the mother during pregnancy.

Rooting Reflex

An automatic response where a baby turns its mouth toward the source of touch on its cheek.

Sucking Reflex

The automatic action of sucking on anything placed in a baby's mouth.

Startle Reflex

An automatic reaction where a baby's arms and legs spring out in response to fright.

Grasping Reflex

A reflex where infants grasp onto objects when pressure is applied to their palm.

Habituation

Decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Experiences such as severe deprivation or abuse that can slow development.

Neural Connections

Connections that grow more numerous and complex as a child's brain develops.

Critical period

An optimal period early in life for exposure to certain stimuli for normal development.

Fine Motor Skills

Small muscle movements.

Gross Motor Skills

Large muscle and whole body movements.

Adolescent Development

The transition period from childhood to adulthood.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation during which an individual becomes capable of reproduction.

Prefrontal Cortex

Brain region that continues to develop during adolescence and is responsible for judgment and impulse control.

Emerging Adulthood

A developmental stage from ages 18 to mid-twenties.

Menopause

The time of natural cessation of menstruation in women.

Aging

The gradual decline in physical abilities, especially noticeable from the 20s onward.

Identity vs Role Confusion

Erikson's adolescence stage where individuals explore their sense of self.

Trust vs Mistrust

Erikson's first stage where infants learn to trust their caregivers.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's stage from birth to 2 years involving simple motor responses and no object permanence.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's stage from ages 18 months to 7 years marked by egocentric thinking.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's stage from ages 7 to 11 involving the understanding of conservation.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's stage beginning at age 11 where abstract thinking develops.

Phonemes

Smallest units of sound in a language.

Morphemes

Smallest units of language that carry meaning.

Grammar

Rules that enable effective communication.

Aphasia

Impairment of language usually caused by damage to the brain's language areas.

Broca's Area

Brain region involved in language expression.

Wernicke's Area

Brain region involved in language comprehension.

Linguistic Determination

Hypothesis stating that language determines the way we think.

Imprinting

The process by which certain animals form attachments during early life.

Attachment

Emotional tie with others, demonstrated by seeking closeness to caregivers.

Secure Attachment

Form of attachment where children feel comfortable to explore in the presence of their caregiver.

Insecure Attachment

Form of attachment characterized by anxiety, clinging, and avoidance of closeness.

Parenting Styles

Different approaches parents use in raising their children.

Authoritarian Parenting

Style characterized by strict rules and expectations.

Permissive Parenting

Style characterized by few demands and limited punishment.

Neglectful Parenting

Style involving low responsiveness and lack of engagement with children.

Authoritative Parenting

Style characterized by high demand and high responsiveness.

Operant Conditioning

Type of learning where behavior is influenced by consequences.

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing behavior by presenting a pleasurable stimulus.

Negative Reinforcement

Increasing behavior by stopping an aversive stimulus.

Conditioned Reinforcers

Stimuli that gain reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement schedule that reinforces after a specified number of responses.

Variable-Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement schedule that reinforces after an unpredictable number of responses.