Psychological Development Through the Life Span

These flashcards cover key concepts and theories related to human development from infancy through old age, focusing on psychological and cognitive development.

What is the central psychological challenge of adolescence according to Erikson?

Identity formation.

Which psychological theorist is known for the stages of cognitive development?

Jean Piaget.

What is the term for the ability to think logically about abstract propositions in Piaget's theory?

Formal operational stage.

What milestone is typically associated with the initiation of adolescence?

Puberty.

Which developmental stage involves mastering object permanence?

Sensorimotor stage.

What is the term for the difficulty in seeing things from another person's perspective in Piaget's early stages?

Egocentrism.

What is the average age when puberty begins in boys?

Around 12 years old.

What does secure attachment in childhood promote according to developmental theories?

Basic trust.

What is the term describing the gradual psychological changes a person goes through from infancy to adulthood?

Development.

What is the significance of maturation in the development of motor skills?

Maturation largely influences the development of physical skills.

What does the term 'object permanence' refer to?

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

At what stage of cognitive development do children begin to practice conservation?

Concrete operational stage.

What is the condition characterized by a lack of development in social communication skills?

Autism.

What is the preferred term for the period during which a child forms strong attachments to caregivers?

Attachment.

How does aging generally affect fluid intelligence?

Fluid intelligence tends to decrease with age.

Which developmental stage is characterized by the first menstrual period in girls?

Menarche.

What is the term for the end of menstruation in women?

Menopause.

What is the phenomenon where children believe that their thoughts can cause actions?

Magical thinking.

What is the developmental psychologist whose work focused on moral development?

Lawrence Kohlberg.

What impacts does long-term alcohol use have on development?

It can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome.

What is the term for changes in an individual's personality and perception of self through social interactions in adolescence?

Identity.

What is the typical characteristic of children in the preoperational stage according to Piaget?

They cannot yet perform operations mentally.

What does 'habituation' refer to in child development?

The process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus.

During which developmental stage do children start to understand the concept of conservation?

Concrete operational stage.

What occurs during the critical period in development?

Key skills or abilities must be developed.

What do we call the gradual changes humans experience throughout their lives?

Lifespan development.

What does attachment theory by Bowlby emphasize?

The importance of a strong emotional bond between caregiver and child.

What is the significance of temperament in psychological development?

It affects how a child interacts with others and the world.

Which term describes the mental representation of the world formed during early development?

Schema.

What is the relationship between aging and cognitive abilities such as memory?

Overall, cognitive abilities decline with age.

What are secondary sex characteristics?

Physical features that develop during puberty, not directly involved in reproduction.

What is the developmental stage that follows adolescence and is characterized by forming intimate relationships?

Young adulthood.

What does Erikson's 'integrity vs. despair' stage entail?

Looking back on life and feeling satisfaction or regret.

What describes the emotional bond formed between infants and their caregivers?

Attachment.

What cognitive skill is enhanced when a child can classify the world using a variety of criteria?

Logical operations.

In the contextualization of brain development, what is the impact of nurture?

Environmental influences on development.

What is the process through which children learn gender roles through socialization?

Gender socialization.

What key developmental task is achieved during the formal operational stage?

Abstract thinking.

What is typically true about self-concept after puberty?

It often becomes more positive.

What is the average age when girls typically begin menstruating?

Around 12 years old.

Why is the concept of 'critical periods' important in child development?

Certain skills must be learned during specific time frames.

What key factor can influence the timing of a child's developmental milestones?

Cultural context.

Which term describes a repeated pattern of observations or experiences that leads to cognitive development?

Trial and error.

What is the basic principle of cognitive development according to Piaget?

Children learn through exploration and interaction with their environment.

What factor can contribute to generativity in middle-aged adults according to Erikson?

Contributing to society and helping the next generation.

What is the significance of language acquisition in early childhood?

It's crucial for cognitive and social development.

How does social interaction affect personality development during adolescent years?

It plays a critical role in shaping self-identity.

What describes the phenomenon of imprinting in animals?

The attachment formed during a critical period after birth.

What do developmental psychologists study?

The pattern of growth and change throughout the lifespan.

Which area of psychology focuses on changes across the life span?

Developmental psychology.