Developmental Psychology

developmental psychology

studies physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifespan

cross sectional study

compare people of different ages at one time

longitudinal study

study the same person over a long period of time

Nature AND Nurture

nurture works on what nature endows

• ex. if have athletic genes, find yourself participating in athletic stuff

Maturation

the natural sequences process of development (regardless of environment - ex. crawl before walk)

baby maturation

hold head up, roll over, rise up on hands, crawl, sitting without support, stand with support, walking

4-5 months

when babies start rolling over

6-8 months

when babies start crawling and sitting

1 year

when babies start walking

conception

single sperm cell penetrates outer coating of egg cell and creates a fertilized egg

Zygote

after a few days, 100 cells

Embryo

after a couple weeks, cells specialize and grow organs (heart kidney, etc)

Fetus

10 weeks, further organs develop and baby susceptible to teratogens

teratogens

chemicals, virus, infection, drug abuse, etc can hurt babies in womb, mother must be careful

quickly

Brain cells develop very _____ in the womb

• realize will need to prepare for learning after birth

• development: first neural networks, then frontal lobe, then association areas

rooting reflex

the tendency for infants when touched on their cheek to turn head towards the sensation

• automatic, looking for food

particular Emotional Expressions

cry when in pain/ hunger, smile when amused, stare when confused

Babinsky Reflex

when the sole foot of baby has been firmly pressed, big toe goes up and other toes fan out

show healthy nervous system

significance of infancy reflexes

Harry Harlow

guy who wanted to know if babies only want nourishment of need comfort too

• did experiment with baby monkeys, preferred fabric/ comforting mama without milk

Contact Comfort

the instinctual need to touch and be touched as an infant