Psy 101 Chapter 4

Based on the book Psychology in Your Life 4th Edition

Developmental psychology

The scientific study of how humans change over the life span, from conception through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Germinal period

The period in prenatal development from conception to two weeks after conception, when the zygote divides rapidly and implants in the uterine wall.

Embryonic period

The period in prenatal development from three through eight weeks after conception, when the brain, spine, major organs, and bodily structures begin to form in the embryo.

Fetal period

The period in prenatal development from nine weeks after conception until birth, when the brain continues developing, bodily structures are refined, and the fetus grows in length and weight and accumulates fat in preparation for birth.

Teratogens

Environmental substances that can harm prenatal development.

Maturation

Physical development of the brain and body that produces growth and enables physical and psychological functioning.

Attachment

An enduring emotional connection that can motivate care, protection, and social support.

Secure attachment

The attachment style for infants who are confident enough to play in an unfamiliar environment as long as the caregiver is present and who are readily comforted by the return of the caregiver.

Ambivalent attachment

The attachment style for infants who seem to have mixed feelings about the caregiver—they cry when the caregiver leaves the room, but they both seek out and reject the caregiver upon the caregiver's return.

Avoidant attachment

The attachment style for infants who do not look at the caregiver when the caregiver leaves or returns and who play happily with the stranger in the caregiver's absence.

Accommodation

The process we use to create new schemas or drastically alter existing schemas to incorporate new information that otherwise would not fit.

Assimilation

The process we use to incorporate new information into existing schemas.

Preoperational stage

The second stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development where children think symbolically about objects, but they reason based on intuition and superficial appearances rather than logic.

Sensorimotor stage

The first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development during which infants acquire information about the world through their senses and motor skills.

Concrete operational stage

The third stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development during which children begin to understand logical operations and are no longer fooled by appearances.

Formal operational stage

The fourth and final stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development during which people can think abstractly and formulate and test hypotheses.

Theory of mind

The ability to understand that other people have mental states that influence their behavior.

Babbling

Intentional vocalization, often by an infant, that does not have a specific meaning.

Overregularization

The tendency for young children to incorrectly use a regular grammar rule when they should use an exception to the rule.

Telegraphic speech

Speech in which toddlers combine basic words in a logical syntax but not a complete sentence that conveys a wealth of meaning.

Primary sex characteristics

Physical features directly related to reproduction, such as reproductive organs and genitals.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical features that are not directly related to reproduction but indicate the differences between the sexes.

Puberty

The period during adolescence in which sexual maturation leads to the ability to reproduce.

Identity versus role confusion

The fifth stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development where adolescents face the challenge of figuring out who they are.

Parenting styles

Methods of parenting based on levels of how demanding and responsive a parent is.

Conventional level

Middle level of moral reasoning determined by strict adherence to societal laws and the approval of others.

Post-conventional level

The highest level of moral reasoning where decisions about morality depend on complex reasoning and abstract principles.

Pre-conventional level

The lowest level of moral reasoning where self-interest and event outcomes determine what is moral.

Emerging adulthood

The developmental period roughly corresponding to ages 18–25, between the end of physical and sexual maturity and the completed transition to stable adult patterns of relationships and work.

Dementia

Severe impairment in intellectual capacity and personality, often due to Alzheimer's disease and strokes.

Intimacy versus isolation

The sixth stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development where young adults face the challenge of forming committed long-term friendships and romances.

Generativity versus stagnation

The seventh stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development where middle-aged adults face the challenge of leaving a positive legacy and caring for future generations.

Integrity versus despair

The eighth stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development where older adults face the challenge of feeling satisfied with their lives and developing wisdom.