Developmental Psychology Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, theories, and outcomes relevant to developmental psychology as outlined in the lecture notes.

According to Mareschal’s neuroconstructivism theory, new knowledge is constructed through changes in the neural structure of the brain in response to what?

Experiences and environmental input.

Who’s theory of cognitive development does Denis Mareschal’s neuroconstructivism theory build upon?

Jean Piaget.

In which substage is Dara, who is a young infant that kicks her legs for pleasure after randomly doing it at first?

Primary circular reactions.

In terms of genetic influence on intelligence, which group showed the least genetic influence?

Low-SES U.S. children.

How does Steinberg believe teenagers' risky behaviors could be best decreased?

By improving decision-making through cognitive and emotional maturity.

Whose unborn child is currently experiencing the most rapid expansion in the number of neurons?

First trimester mother.

What form did several scholars begin to publish their observations on child development in the late 19th century?

Baby biographies.

If Michael is a genetic male with red-green color blindness, on which chromosome did he inherit the recessive gene?

His X chromosome.

Which position on perception argues that we need several experiences viewing objects at various distances to interpret retinal images?

Empiricist.

The idea that some genes are in adaptation more than others is known as what?

Natural selection.

What life history strategy would Samuel adopt if he grew up in chaos and abuse?

Fast strategy.

Tracy, who is shy and avoids gatherings, exemplifies which concept when she creates her own world through solitary play?

Private world or compensatory imagination.

What is the original change in the structure or arrangement of a gene called?

Mutation.

What is the primary function of the amnion?

Cushion and protect the embryo.

If Mayako drank alcohol frequently during the first 3 months, which outcome should she be least concerned about for her newborn?

Problems with attachment.

What percentage of parents who had one C-section deliver future babies by C-section in the U.S.?

60–70%.

What does Dana's mental health demonstrate despite her early abuse according to developmental psychology?

Resilience.

Which abilities are most impacted by numerous concussions in adolescents?

Memory and executive functioning.

Which parent group is most likely to delay or avoid infant immunization in the U.S.?

Highly educated parent in upper-middle-class home.

Which theorist would argue that all information needed for perception is directly available in the environment?

Gibson.

In a neuroconstructivism study, what did only correct solvers show activity in?

Prefrontal cortex.

Which is an example of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development?

A child solving a puzzle after a hint from a parent.

Which learning approach led to better outcomes in a study comparing Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s methods?

Guided participation.

What part of working memory is processing a new song that Thuy immediately thinks will be perfect for her wedding?

Phonological loop.

What method should be used to improve memory when studying?

Space out your study sessions and use retrieval practice.

What type of intelligence does Marc demonstrate by taking care of himself and his brother?

Practical intelligence.

How do convergent thinking and divergent thinking contrast?

One correct answer is to many possible answers.

What does Aki's refusal to go to school due to cultural pressure represent?

Cultural context.

Which issue focuses on whether development occurs gradually or in abrupt changes?

Continuity vs. discontinuity.

Which theory do researchers studying play behaviors similar to early ancestors best illustrate?

Evolutionary perspective.

How many chromosomes does an ovum contribute to the zygote?

23.

What do genes consist of?

DNA molecules.

What does a child with one dark-skinned and one light-skinned parent having medium skin show?

Polygenic inheritance.

During which prenatal period does the brain area that regulates digestion and respiration first develop?

Embryonic.

In cultures with teen pregnancies, which outcome is least likely?

High educational achievement.

What may the greater ability for adults to integrate thoughts and emotions be due to?

Prefrontal cortex maturation.

What do research findings show about infants' speech perception?

Become more sensitive to native language sounds and less to nonnative sounds by 11 months.

What is an example of the A-not-B error?

Looking for a toy where it was first hidden rather than its new location.

What type of memory is easiest for test questions?

Recognition memory.

Which assessment is a researcher using if they are measuring emotional responsiveness and play materials?

The HOME inventory.

When an organism learns, which process brings actions, thoughts, or feelings?

Adaptation.

Why are men’s reproductive cells more vulnerable to environmental influences?

They are exposed and produced continuously.

What is the process of inheriting a characteristically human environment and ways of adapting called?

Enculturation.

Which cognitive concept refers to safeguarding neurons and repairing the brain when damaged?

Neuroplasticity.

What percent of car crashes involving teen drivers is caused by distraction?

58%.

What is the gap between what learners can do alone and what they can do with help called?

Zone of proximal development.

What concept represents Qing’s decision to focus only on blackjack to maintain performance in old age?

Selection.

According to Sternberg, what influences creative intelligence?

Experience with a task influences creativity.