Developmental Psychology + Milestones

Developmental Psychcology

Womb To Tomb: the scientific study of how and why people change over the course of their life (cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains)

Continuity and Stages

Developmental changes that are slow and steady, where each step builds directly on the previous ones.

Stability and Change

Area of study that studies how and why people but also evolve and adapt in others as they undergo different life stages.

Longitudinal Research

Studying the same individuals over time, allowing for direct observation of how behaviors, traits, and abilities change and develop throughout life

Cross-Sectional Research

studying different groups of people of various ages at the same point in time.

Psychosocial Development

theory that individuals progress through a series of stages, each defined by a specific conflict. (infancy, childhood, adolescence, etc.)

Prenatal Development

Growth and development within the womb up until birth

Teratogens

Substances that can affect babies during pregnancy.

Reflexes

Automatic and instinctual responses children are born with for survival.

Rooting Reflex

Reflex where infants turn their head at the touch of a cheek during feeding.

Maturation

The biological process of growth, influenced by genetics more than life experience.

Developmental Milestones

Key skills or achievements children have by a specific age.

Sensitive Period

Time where children are most suitable to learn certain skills. (Ex: walking by 1 year old)

Gross Motor Coordination

The ability to control large muscle movements

Fine Motor Coordination

Control over small muscle movements