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Human Development

The scientific study of systematic processes of change and stability in people from conception through maturity.

Developmental Scientists

Researchers who study changes in humans throughout their lifespan and how these changes can be applied in various fields.

Domains of Development

The major areas of change including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Discussion concerning the contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

Stability vs. Change

An issue examining whether early traits in individuals remain constant or evolve throughout life.

Continuity

The concept where development is viewed as a gradual and continuous process.

Discontinuity

The concept that development occurs in distinct stages.

Maturation

The natural unfolding of physical changes and behavior patterns as individuals grow.

Nuclear Family

A household unit consisting of one or two parents and their children.

Extended Family

A multigenerational network that includes additional relatives such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A combination of economic and social factors that describe an individual's or family's position in society.

Cultural Transmission

The process by which cultural elements are learned, shared, and passed on within a social group.

Normative Age-Graded Influences

Common experiences shared by individuals in a specific age group, like puberty or retirement.

Critical Periods

A specific time frame where certain experiences significantly impact development.

Psychological Age

An individual's behavioral and mental capacities compared to others of the same chronological age.

Freud’s Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a previously neutral stimulus elicits a response after being paired with a stimulus that naturally brings about that response.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

Cognitive Development

The process of growth and change in intellectual/mental abilities, including thinking, reasoning, and memory.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The gap between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance.

Bioecological Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s theory emphasizing the interaction between the developing person and their environment.

Natural Selection

The process through which traits that enhance survival are passed onto future generations.

Ethics in Research

Principles guiding researchers to maximize benefits, respect autonomy, and ensure justice in research practices.