AP Psychology Unit 3 - Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in developmental psychology and learning theories. Credits to Issac Breakstone for the list :)

Developmental Psychologists

Professionals who study how people grow, develop, and adapt at different life stages.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research method that studies different aged participants for a faster and more convenient way to gather information.

Longitudinal Study

Research method that studies the same people over a long period of time.

Lifespan

The length of one’s lifetime; the number of years an individual born in a certain year can expect to live.

Stability vs Change

Stability refers to traits/behaviors that remain constant, while change refers to traits/behaviors that are fluid and flexible throughout life.

Nature vs Nurture

Nature refers to genetics shaping personality; nurture refers to environmental influences on development.

Continuous vs Discontinuous Development

Continuous development is gradual, while discontinuous development occurs in distinct stages.

Teratogen

Agents that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.

Critical or Sensitive Period

An optimal time after birth for exposure to certain stimuli for proper development.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

Fast and intense increase in height and weight during adolescence.

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation in humans.

Menarche

The first menstrual period in a female adolescent.

Spermarche

The start of sperm development in boys at puberty.

Dementia

A progressive, irreversible brain disorder with gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning.

Ecological Systems Theory

The theory that multiple environments throughout one's life shape behavior.

Attachment Theory

The idea that children need to establish a secure dependence on caregivers before exploring unfamiliar situations.

Operant Conditioning

Learning associative behavior as a result of consequences.

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing behavior by presenting a rewarding stimulus after the behavior occurs.

Negative Reinforcement

Increasing a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus when the behavior occurs.

Vicarious Learning

Learning that occurs by observing the consequences of others' actions.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of one's physical environment.

Insight

The sudden realization or understanding of the solution to a problem.