Unit 3 Developmental Psych

What is the "Nature" component in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Genetics

What is the "Nurture" component in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Environment/experience

What does the "Continuity" perspective suggest about development?

Slow, gradual change

What does the "Stages" perspective suggest about development?

Distinct steps or phases

What does "Stability" in development refer to?

Traits stay the same over time

What does "Change" in development refer to?

Personality or behavior changes as we grow

What is cross-sectional research?

Compares people of different ages at one time.

What is longitudinal research?

Studies the same people over time.

What is the correct sequence of prenatal development?

Conception → Zygote → Embryo → Fetus

What is a zygote and how long does this stage last?

The first 2 weeks after fertilization.

What is an embryo and when does this stage occur?

2–8 weeks after fertilization; organs start forming.

What is a fetus and when does this stage occur?

9 weeks to birth; characterized by growth and development.

What are teratogens?

Harmful substances that can reach the embryo/fetus.

Give examples of teratogens.

Alcohol, drugs, viruses.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

A condition caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy, leading to physical and mental disabilities.

What are reflexes in newborns?

Automatic responses.

Describe the Rooting reflex.

Touch cheek → turns to suck.

Name a newborn reflex related to feeding.

Sucking.

Describe the Grasping reflex.

Grabs a finger when placed in their palm.

What is the Moro reflex?

The startle reflex.

Describe the Babinski reflex.

Toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked.

What senses do newborns possess?

They can see, hear, taste, and smell.

What is the general sequence of motor development?

Roll → crawl → stand → walk → run.

Does the timing of motor development vary, and if so, what about the order?

Timing may vary, but the order stays the same.

What does "Tabula Rasa" mean in developmental psychology?

“Blank slate”

What does the concept of "Tabula Rasa" suggest about human development?

We are born without knowledge, and experience shapes us.

What are schemas according to Piaget?

Mental frameworks for understanding the world.

What is assimilation in Piaget's theory?

Fitting new information into existing schemas.

What is accommodation in Piaget's theory?

Changing schemas to fit new information.

What is Piaget's first stage of cognitive development?

Sensorimotor (0–2 years).

What is a key cognitive development during the Sensorimotor stage?

Object permanence develops.

What is Piaget's second stage of cognitive development?

Preoperational (2–6 years).

What are characteristics of the Preoperational stage?

Egocentric, use symbols, pretend play.

What cognitive ability do children in the Preoperational stage typically lack?

Conservation.

What is Piaget's third stage of cognitive development?

Concrete Operational (7–11 years).

What key cognitive ability develops during the Concrete Operational stage?

Logical thinking and understanding conservation.

What is Piaget's fourth stage of cognitive development?

Formal Operational (12+ years).

What type of reasoning characterizes the Formal Operational stage?

Abstract and moral reasoning.

What are some criticisms of Piaget's theory?

Underestimated kids’ abilities; development is more continuous than stage-like.

What is attachment in developmental psychology?

Emotional bond with a caregiver.

What is stranger anxiety and when does it typically occur?

Fear of strangers, around 8 months.

What did Harry Harlow's experiment with monkeys demonstrate regarding attachment?

Contact comfort is more important than food.

What concept did Konrad Lorenz study related to animal attachment?

Imprinting.

What is imprinting?

A bond formed during a critical period in animals.

What is a critical period in the context of imprinting?

A specific time when certain developments must occur to form a bond.

What experiment did Mary Ainsworth conduct to study attachment styles?

The “Strange Situation” experiment.

Describe secure attachment.

Distressed when mom leaves, happy when she returns.

Describe avoidant attachment.

Doesn’t seek comfort from the caregiver.

Describe anxious/ambivalent (or resistant) attachment.

Very upset when mom leaves, hard to soothe when she returns.

Describe the authoritarian parenting style.

Strict, expect obedience.

Describe the permissive parenting style.

Few rules, give in easily.

Describe the authoritative parenting style.

Balanced, demanding but responsive.

Which parenting style generally leads to the best outcomes?

Authoritative.

Describe Kohlberg's Preconventional stage of moral development.

Avoid punishment, gain rewards.

Describe Kohlberg's Conventional stage of moral development.

Follow rules to gain approval or maintain order.

Describe Kohlberg's Postconventional stage of moral development.

Based on personal ethics or moral principles.

What was Carol Gilligan's criticism of Kohlberg's theory?

Focused too much on males and justice, not care and relationships.

What are some general tendencies observed in girls regarding social behavior?

More social, interdependent, seek deeper connections.

What are some general tendencies observed in boys regarding social behavior?

More independent, competitive, self-reliant.

What is androgyny?

Showing both male and female traits; flexibility in roles.

Describe Freud's Oral stage of psychosexual development.

0–18 months; pleasure from the mouth (sucking, biting).

Describe Freud's Anal stage of psychosexual development.

18–36 months; associated with toilet training, control, and order.

Describe Freud's Phallic stage of psychosexual development.

3–6 years; focus on genitals; Oedipus/Electra complex.

Describe Freud's Latency stage of psychosexual development.

6–puberty; sexual feelings are dormant.

Describe Freud's Genital stage of psychosexual development.

Puberty+; sexual interests mature.

What is Erikson's first psychosocial stage?

Trust vs. Mistrust (0–1 year).

What is Erikson's second psychosocial stage?

Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (1–3 years); involves doing things themselves or doubting abilities.

What is Erikson's third psychosocial stage?

Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years); involves initiating tasks or feeling guilty about efforts.

What is Erikson's fourth psychosocial stage?

Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years); involves developing competence or feelings of inferiority.

What is Erikson's fifth psychosocial stage?

Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years); involves finding self-identity.

What is Erikson's sixth psychosocial stage?

Intimacy vs. Isolation (20s–40s); involves forming close relationships or experiencing loneliness.

What is Erikson's seventh psychosocial stage?

Generativity vs. Stagnation (40s–60s); involves contributing to the world or feeling unproductive.

What is Erikson's eighth psychosocial stage?

Integrity vs. Despair (60s+); involves reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

A type of dementia characterized by memory loss, confusion, and personality changes.

What are some causes of Alzheimer's Disease?

Brain cell death, lack of acetylcholine, plaques, and tangles.

What are the general stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

Mild memory loss → confusion → severe cognitive decline.

What are key characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Difficulty with communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and varying levels of severity.