Unit 6 Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychologists

Professionals who study physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifespan.

Nature vs. Nurture

A major issue in developmental psychology examining the influence of genetic inheritance vs. environmental factors.

Continuity vs. Stages

Debate on whether development is a gradual process or occurs in distinct stages.

Stability vs. Change

Explores if personality traits persist or change throughout life.

Conception

The process where a sperm cell penetrates an egg cell to form a zygote.

Zygote

A fertilized egg that undergoes rapid cell division before becoming an embryo.

Embryo

The developing human from about 2 weeks to 8 weeks after conception.

Fetus

The developing human from 9 weeks after conception to birth.

Teratogen

Harmful substances that can negatively affect fetal development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition caused by heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral issues.

Rooting Reflex

A newborn reflex where the baby turns their head and opens their mouth when their cheek is touched.

Sucking Reflex

A newborn automatically starts sucking when something is placed in their mouth.

Grasping Reflex

A newborn tightly grasps objects placed in their hand.

Moro Reflex

A newborn flails their arms and legs out and then pulls them in when startled.

Babinski Reflex

A reflex where a newborn’s toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked.

Habituation

The process where a baby becomes less responsive to a repeated stimulus.

Cognitive Development

The process by which children learn to think, understand, and reason.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

Interpreting new information using existing schemas.

Accommodation

Modifying schemas to fit new information.

Piaget's Cognitive Development

A theory outlining stages of cognitive development from sensorimotor to formal operational.

Secure Attachment

A bond where infants are upset when caregivers leave but easily comforted upon return.

Insecure Attachment

A bond characterized by anxiety/clinginess or indifference towards caregivers.

Critical Periods

Optimal times shortly after birth when exposure to stimuli influences development.

Imprinting

The process of forming strong attachments early in life.

Self-Concept

Our understanding and evaluation of who we are.

Parenting Styles

Different approaches to parenting that affect children's behavior and traits.

Adolescence

The transition period from childhood to adulthood marked by puberty.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

A stage in Erikson's theory where adolescents figure out who they are.

Maturation

Biological growth processes that enable orderly developmental changes.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

A stage in Erikson's theory focusing on forming meaningful relationships.