Unit 3 Developmental psychology

Developmental Psychology

the scientific study of how people grow, change, and develop throughout their lives—from before birth, through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

Cross-Sectional Study

looks at different groups of people at one point in time to see how they compare.

Longitudinal Study

follows the same group of people over a long period of time to see how they change.

Nature

refers to the traits and abilities we are born with, like our genes and biology.

Nurture

about the environment and experiences that influence us after we're born.

Continuity

the idea that development happens slowly and steadily over time.

Discontinuous

in development, refers to the idea that development progresses through distinct, qualitative stages rather than a gradual, continuous process.

Stability

means that some parts of who we are—like personality or intelligence—stay mostly the same as we grow older.

Zygote

the very first stage of human development. It forms when a sperm and an egg combine during fertilization.

Embryo

is the stage after the zygote. It lasts from about week 2 to week 8 of pregnancy.

Fetus

what we call the developing baby from around week 9 of pregnancy until birth.

Habituation

a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations.

Maturation

the process of development in which an individual becomes capable of reproduction.

Critical Period

refers to a specific time frame in development during which certain skills or abilities are most easily acquired.

Teratogens

Harmful substances or conditions that can affect a baby's development during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A serious condition that happens when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, causing physical deformities, learning problems, and behavior issues.

Umbilical Cord

Connects baby to placenta.

Amniotic Sac

Fluid-filled sac that protects the baby.

Language development (Critical Period)

Birth to age 7 - Best time to learn language; missing it can lead to lifelong difficulty.

Emotional Attachment

Birth to 2 years - Babies need love and care to form healthy bonds.

Puberty

The time when your body begins to develop and change as you become able to reproduce.

Sex

Refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes and hormones.

Male Chromosome

XY

female chromosome pair

XX

Gender

how a person identifies and expresses themselves, often as male, female, both, or neither. It's shaped by society, culture, and personal feelings—not just biology.