Unit 0: Introduction & Science Practices

Theoretical Perspectives

Biological Perspective: Focuses on genetic makeup to identify issues.

Psychodynamic Perspective: Investigates unconscious states and the impact of early childhood experiences (first five years).

Cognitive Perspective: Emphasizes understanding a person's thinking processes.

Behavioral Perspective: Centers on understanding behavior through interactions with the environment.

Humanistic Perspective: Believes in the potential for growth in supportive environments.

Evolutionary Perspective: Suggests adaptation for reproduction and survival.

Socio-Cultural Perspective: Highlights the significance of cultural context in understanding individuals.

Research Methods

Operational Definitions: Clear description of variables for measurement.

Generalizability: Extent to which findings apply to broader populations.

Validity: Accuracy of the measurements.

Correlations:

Positive: As one variable increases, so does the other.

Negative: As one variable increases, the other decreases.

Non-Experimental Methods

Naturalistic Observation: Watching behavior in natural settings.

Case Study: In-depth analysis of an individual or group.

Survey: Collecting data through questionnaires.

Correlational Studies: Examining relationships between variables.

Meta-Analysis: Analyzing results from multiple studies.

Experimental Methods

Independent & Dependent Variables: Manipulated variable vs. observed outcome.

Random Assignment: Randomly assigning participants to groups.

Control Group: Group not receiving treatment for comparison.

Ethics in Research

Informed Consent: Participants must be aware of their involvement.

Confidentiality: Assurance of privacy.

Debriefing: Informing participants about the study's purpose after they have participated.

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Unit 1: Human Growth & Development

Thematic Issues in Development

Stability vs Change: Are personality traits lifelong or do they change?

Nature vs Nurture: The influence of genetics versus environment.

Continuity vs Stage: Development as gradual vs. distinct stages.

Types of Developmental Research

Cross-Sectional: Comparing different age groups at one point in time.

Longitudinal: Studying the same group over a period of time.

Infant/Child Physical Development

Teratogens & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Impact of harmful substances on fetal development.

Maturation: Natural growth processes.

Fine & Gross Motor Skills: Development of small vs. large muscle movements.

Infant Reflexes: Automatic responses present at birth.

Visual Cliff & Depth Perception: Studies on infant perception of depth.

Critical Periods: Key times for development where certain skills must be acquired.

Language Development

Language Stages:

Cooing

Babbling

One-word

Telegraphic Speech

Phonemes & Morphemes: Basic units of sound and meaning.

Grammar: Understanding syntax vs. semantics.

Language Errors: Common mistakes like overgeneralization.

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Schemas, Assimilation, Accommodation: Concepts of cognitive organization, adaptation to new information.

Stages of Development: Identify age, name, and milestones for:

Sensorimotor Stage

Preoperational Stage

Concrete Operational Stage

Formal Operational Stage

Psychosocial Development

Ecological Systems Theory: Influence of social environments on development.

Attachment Theory (Harry Harlow): Importance of nurturing in attachment.

Strange Situation & Attachment Styles (Mary Ainsworth): Assessment of attachment patterns in children.

Temperament: Different personality traits observable early in life.

Parenting Styles (Diana Baumrind): Styles including authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful.

Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation: Understanding gender differences and identity.

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Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development: Eight stages and their associated virtues.

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Adolescent Physical Development

Puberty: Physical changes during adolescence.

Primary & Secondary Sex Characteristics: Development of reproductive system and secondary traits.

Menarche & Spermarche: Onset of menstruation and sperm production.

Synaptic Pruning: The elimination of excess neurons.

Adult Physical Development

Menopause: Changes in women’s reproductive system.

Mobility & Flexibility: Aging effects on physical capabilities.

Reaction Time & Sensory Changes: Decline in reaction times and sensory function in aging adults.

Cognition in Adulthood

Crystallized & Fluid Intelligence: Knowledge accumulated vs. problem-solving abilities.

Neurocognitive Disorders: Impact of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on cognitive functions.