flash card development

Chronological development

Sequence of changes over time including age-related changes and aspects like emotional development that cannot be controlled.

Lifespan development

How individuals change cognitively, physically, and mentally as they age towards death.

Stability and change

The debate over whether personalities and behaviors remain consistent or change over time.

Nature and nurture

The influence of genetic or biological factors versus environment or upbringing.

Continuous development

The idea that human development is gradual and ongoing.

Discontinuous development

The perspective that development is more abrupt, occurring in stages with significant changes.

Teratogens

Agents like chemicals and viruses that can harm the embryo or fetus during prenatal development.

Neural pruning

The process during which unused synapses are eliminated, enhancing the efficiency of neural networks.

Myelination

The formation of a myelin sheath around the nerves which increases the speed of neural impulses.

Fine motor coordination

The ability to coordinate small motor tasks such as grasping objects.

Gross motor coordination

The ability to coordinate larger movements involving the arms and legs.

Maturation

The natural and orderly sequence of biological growth.

Reflexes

Automatic and involuntary movements triggered by specific stimuli.

Critical periods

Specific times during development when certain skills or abilities are most easily learned.

Imprinting

A sudden and powerful bond between an infant and the first moving object they encounter.

Puberty

A period marked by rapid physical growth and sexual maturation.

Schemas

Mental structures that help individuals organize and interpret information according to Piaget's theory.

Assimilation

The process of integrating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adjusting or modifying existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Object permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Egocentrism

An inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and another person's perspective.

Social clock

A culturally determined timeline for life events such as leaving home or starting a career.

Emerging adulthood

A developmental phase between adolescence and full adulthood characterized by exploration and self-discovery.

Identity achievement

The successful exploration of identity leading to a clear understanding of oneself.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Stressful or traumatic experiences that have lasting effects on development and well-being.

Racial/ethnic identity

The way racial background influences an individual's personality and identity.

Crystallized intelligence

Accrued knowledge over time, which typically increases with age.

Fluid intelligence

The capacity to think logically and solve problems in novel situations, often declining with age.