Big Ideas in Developmental Science

Flashcards covering key concepts related to developmental science, including the ideas of plasticity, stability, continuity, discontinuity, nature, and nurture.

Plasticity

The ability of personality, abilities, and other human characteristics to change over time.

Stability

The concept that refers to whether we change or remain the same over time.

Continuity

The idea that change can be gradual over time.

Discontinuity

The idea that change can occur abruptly.

Nature

The genetic traits, capacities, and limitations inherited by an individual.

Nurture

All environmental influences that affect an individual after conception.

Adoption Studies

Research that examines the outcomes of children who are adopted compared to their peers from the same environment.

Rutter et al. (1993)

A study that found children adopted at 6 months fared significantly better than those adopted at 4 years.

Environmental similarities

Shared characteristics or influences that can affect individuals, even if they are genetically different, as seen in twin studies.

Grand Theories of Development

Theoretical frameworks that explore the overarching principles of how individuals develop over time.