Section 9.1: Developmental Issues, Prenatal Development, and the Newborn - Terms

Developmental psychology

The study of how people grow, change, and develop across the lifespan.

Nature and nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human development.

Continuity and stages

The debate over whether development is a gradual, continuous process or a series of distinct stages.

Stability and change

The debate over which traits persist throughout life and which are altered by experience.

Prenatal development

The process of growth and development within the womb, from conception to birth.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that begins the process of prenatal development.

Embryo

The developing human organism from about 2 weeks to 8 weeks after fertilization.

Fetus

The developing human from 9 weeks after conception to birth.

Teratogens

Harmful substances or factors that can cause birth defects or developmental problems during prenatal development.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

A condition caused by heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to physical and cognitive abnormalities in the child.

Habituation

A decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, showing learning and memory in infants.