Developmental Psychology Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What does the life-span developmental approach emphasize?

Ignoring the influence of social policy.

Development as a continuous process from conception to death. (correct)

Focusing solely on early adulthood.

Development only in childhood and adolescence.

What are the primary domains of development in human growth?

Physical, Cognitive, Psychosocial (correct)

Physical, Emotional, Creative

Physical, Environmental, Behavioral

Cognitive, Social, Educational

Which aspect of human development seeks to make informed predictions about individuals?

Predict (correct)

Control

Explain

Describe

What is meant by 'nature' in the context of development?

Inborn traits or characteristics inherited biologically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'psychosocial development'?

Development of social relationships and personality changes Signup and view all the answers

Which period of the life span extends from birth to age 3?

Infancy and Toddlerhood Signup and view all the answers

What do developmental scientists study?

How characteristics remain stable throughout life. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary focuses of developmental psychology according to the provided content?

The systematic changes in people throughout their lives. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the phrase 'womb to tomb' in the context of human development?

A term denoting the complete human life span from birth to death. Signup and view all the answers

How do developmentalists view the influences on development?

As a combination of heredity and environment Signup and view all the answers

How is human development characterized in some societies, as noted in the content?

There may be no distinct phases like adolescence or middle age. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a goal of exploring human development?

Examine Signup and view all the answers

How does imprinting differ from critical and sensitive periods?

Imprinting is automatic and irreversible during a brief critical period. Signup and view all the answers

What does addressing individual differences in development primarily explore?

Variations in gender, height, and intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which life span period includes ages 40 to 65?

Middle Adulthood Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about periods of the life span is true?

They are influenced by societal and cultural constructions. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a non-normative influence in development?

An unusual event that happens to an individual. Signup and view all the answers

What role does child rearing play in developmental psychology?

It influences social, cognitive, and emotional growth in children. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a critical period in development?

A specific time when certain events must occur for optimal development. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when development is described as multidimensional?

It takes into account the physical, cognitive, and social aspects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events is an example of a normative influence?

Experiencing a major historical event. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a sensitive period from a critical period?

Sensitive periods allow for gradual developments without immediate consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the concept of lifespan development?

Development is fixed and unchanging. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason we cannot define race using biological differences?

Because physical appearance does not reveal biological differences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a historical generation?

It encompasses cohorts who share experiences of major historical events. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Ethnic Gloss' refer to?

An overgeneralization that obscures differences among cultural groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes normative influences?

Typical events that occur similarly for most people in a group. Signup and view all the answers

What are Normative Age-Graded Influences?

Factors linked to age that affect a majority of people in that age group. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Historical Generation'?

A group experiencing significant life events during their formative years. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cohort is true?

Cohorts are groups born at around the same time. Signup and view all the answers

How do normative history-graded influences affect individuals?

They shape behavior and attitudes related to specific historical events. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of gender, how do gender roles typically impact development?

They may restrict experiences and opportunities based on societal expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the changing resource allocations throughout development?

Developmental Change Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes the role of heredity in maintaining characteristics throughout life?

Stability Perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme in the nature vs. nurture debate in human development?

The conflict between biological and environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the combination of inherited traits and environmental factors affecting development?

Nurture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic associated with stability in development?

Potential for significant change Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of historical and cultural context in development?

It influences developmental outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What do developmentalists who favor the change perspective believe?

Life experiences can lead to significant changes. Signup and view all the answers

How do contemporary theorists approach the nature vs. nurture debate?

They look for ways in which both nature and nurture interact. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Development: An Evolving Field

Human development is the scientific study of systematic changes and stability in individuals from conception through life.
Developmental scientists investigate how people change over time and the characteristics that remain stable.

Life-Span Developmental Approach

Human development is considered a lifelong process, encompassing all stages from conception to death.
Development can exhibit both positive and negative changes throughout the life span.

Goals of Exploring Human Development

Describe: Recording a child's vocabulary or first words.
Explain: Understanding language acquisition in children and variations in speech development.
Predict: Assessing the likelihood of speech problems in children.
Control: Implementing early interventions for identified speech delays.

Basic Concepts in Human Development

Domains of Development:
- Physical: Growth, motor skills, sensory capacities, and overall health.
- Cognitive: Learning processes, memory, language, reasoning, and creativity.
- Psychosocial: Changes in emotions, personality, and social relationships.

Periods of the Life Span

Recognizes various life stages as social constructs that differ across cultures, prompting developmentalists to identify basic needs and tasks relevant to each stage:
- Prenatal: Conception to birth
- Infancy and Toddlerhood: Birth to age 3
- Early Childhood: Ages 3 to 6
- Middle Childhood: Ages 6 to 11
- Adolescence: Ages 11 to about 20
- Young/Emerging Adulthood: Ages 20 to 40
- Middle Adulthood: Ages 40 to 65
- Late Adulthood: Ages 65 and over

Influences on Development

Individual differences in development stem from varied factors such as gender, health, intelligence, and temperament.
Influences categorized as:
- Heredity (nature): Inherited biological traits.
- Environment (nurture): External experiential factors affecting development.

Culture, Race, and Ethnicity

Ethnic groups share culture, ancestry, and values, influencing identity and views.
Ethnic gloss refers to broad generalizations about groups, which can obscure individuality.

Gender and Historical Context

Gender roles influence development through varying experiences based on gender.
Historical context affects individual life courses, emphasizing how socio-temporal factors shape behaviors and values.

Normative and Non-Normative Influences

Normative influences are events that affect groups similarly, divided into:
- Age-graded influences: Common experiences correlated with age.
- History-graded influences: Events that shape a generation's attitudes (e.g., wars or pandemics).
Non-normative influences involve unusual experiences unique to individuals, such as personal milestones or traumas.

Timing of Influence

Critical periods: Specific times for particular developmental events to occur, often with irreversible consequences.
Sensitive periods: Times when development is more receptive to certain experiences but are less rigid than critical periods.

Developmental Themes

Lifelong development, complexity, multidirectional changes in biological and cultural influences.
Resource allocation adaptations throughout life.
Development's plasticity allows for change; it is shaped by historical and cultural contexts.

Developmental Issues

Nature vs. Nurture: The interaction between genetic inheritance and environmental factors influences development.
Stability vs. Change: Stability implies that early traits persist through life, while change suggests growth produces individuals who differ from their earlier selves.

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 1 of Developmental Psychology, focusing on the study of human development. Explore key concepts, influences on development, and the life-span developmental approach. Test your understanding of this evolving field!