Unit 3.1-2 AP PSYCH

developmental psychology

study of physical, cognitive, and social change across the lifespan

three developmental issues

nature & nurture, continuity & stages, stability & change

nature & nurture

What an individual is born with & everything that affects/shapes an individual after birth.

continuity & stages

Gradual smooth development & distinct, abrupt stages in growth.

stability & change

traits that stay the same & traits that change over time

prenatal development sequence

zygote → embryo → fetus

conception

sperm fertilizes egg forming a zygote

zygote

first 2 weeks; rapid cell division and differentiation

embryo

2–8 weeks; organs form & function; heart beats

fetus

9 weeks-birth; human form and organ development

teratogens

harmful substances that damage embryo or fetus

examples of teratogens

alcohol, tobacco, drugs, viruses, medications

fetal alcohol syndrome

lifelong physical and cognitive abnormalities caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy

habituation

decreased responsiveness after repeated stimulation

maturation

biological growth allowing orderly changes

association areas

last to develop; support thinking, memory, language

Cognition

Gaining knowlege and comprehension through thinking, learning, remembering, and problem solving.