appsych 3.1-3.4

cross-sectional research

comparing different age groups at one time

longitudinal research

studying same individuals over long period

developmental psychology

study of physical, cognitive, social change across lifespan

stability and change

traits remain consistent vs shift over time

nature vs nurture

genetics vs environment influence development

continuity vs stages

development gradual vs distinct steps

teratogens

harmful agents causing prenatal damage

rooting

infant reflex turning head toward touch
maturation: biologically driven growth process

visual cliff

depth perception test using drop-off illusion

critical periods

time windows when experience shapes development

imprinting

early attachment during critical period

fine motor

small muscle movements

gross motor

large muscle movements

maternal illnesses

mother conditions affecting prenatal development

genetic mutations

dna changes altering development

adolescence

transition from childhood to adulthood

puberty

sexual maturation process

primary sex characteristics

reproductive organs

secondary sex characteristics

nonreproductive sex traits

menarche

first menstrual cycle

spermarche

first ejaculation

menopause

end of reproductive capability

sex

biological traits

gender

social roles + expectations

sexual orientation

pattern of romantic/sexual attraction

gender role

cultural norms for behavior by gender

gender identity

internal sense of gender

androgyny

blend of masculine + feminine traits

social script

learned guidelines for social behavior

schema

mental framework organizing knowledge

assimilation

fitting new info into existing schemas

accommodation

adjusting schemas for new info

conservation

understanding quantity remains constant

reversibility

mentally undoing actions

egocentrism

difficulty seeing others’ perspectives

theory of mind

understanding others have thoughts/feelings

zone of proximal development (zpd)

range between independent work + assisted learning

crystallized intelligence

accumulated knowledge

fluid intelligence

reasoning + problem-solving ability

dementia

progressive cognitive decline

sensorimotor stage

infancy stage learning through senses + actions

object permanence

awareness objects exist when unseen

preoperational stage

early childhood stage using symbols

mental symbols

words/images representing objects

pretend play

imaginative symbolic play

animism

assigning life to nonliving objects

concrete operational stage

logical thinking about concrete events

formal operational stage

abstract + hypothetical thinking

scaffold

temporary support aiding learning

observational learning

learning by watching others