Developmental Psychology Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of its adult brain size does a child achieve by age 2?

50%

80% (correct)

90%

70%

Which of the following is a key factor in the development of infant attachments according to Harry Harlow's studies?

Sound recognition

Nutritional needs

Visual stimuli

Contact comfort (correct)

At what age do most people begin to form their first memories?

3 years (correct)

1 year

2 years

4 years

Which developmental stage focuses on the reinforcements and environmental influences on behavior?

Behavioral Development Signup and view all the answers

What is myelination, and why is it significant in babies?

Growth of protective sheathing around nerves Signup and view all the answers

What developmental change occurs as a result of synapse formation in infants?

Increased brain plasticity Signup and view all the answers

What defines the process of biological growth in infants?

Uninfluenced by experience Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about reflexes in newborns is true?

Reflexes are crucial for initial survival Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by high demands and high responsiveness?

Authoritative Signup and view all the answers

At what age does puberty generally begin for females?

11-13 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the transition period from childhood to adulthood?

Adolescence Signup and view all the answers

What is the male equivalent of menopause called?

Andropause Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive ability allows adolescents to critique society and their own beliefs?

Abstract reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'secure attachment' predict about a child's future?

Higher levels of social competence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'critical period' in development?

It is an optimal time for experiencing certain stimuli for proper development. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is described as a genetically predetermined response in animals?

Imprinting Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'authoritarian' parenting?

Setting rules and expecting strict obedience. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'self-concept' develop in humans?

Begins at 6 months and is refined by 18 months. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stranger anxiety' indicate in a child?

A developed schema for familiar faces. Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by high demands and low responsiveness?

Authoritarian Signup and view all the answers

How does Erikson's theory relate to the concept of basic trust?

It arises from early experiences with responsive caregivers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Harlow's work in the 1950s?

Exploring infant attachment and emotional bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'insecure, anxious attachment'?

Frequent distress and uncertainty in relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of teratogens on fetal development?

They can harm the development of the embryo or fetus. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of prenatal development follows the zygote stage?

Embryo Signup and view all the answers

Why is the blood-brain barrier important during fetal development?

It protects the fetus from maternal infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding smoking during pregnancy?

It is safe during certain trimesters. Signup and view all the answers

What does the SRY gene influence in prenatal development?

Development of gonads. Signup and view all the answers

How do newborns exhibit their ability to learn scents?

They can identify their mother by smell from birth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cognitive development in newborns?

They learn sound patterns within days. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the impact of caffeine consumption during pregnancy?

It is linked to lower birth weight. Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about the identification of sex at birth?

It is determined by the visual formation of external genitals. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the difference between gender and sex?

Gender is a psychosocial construct, and sex refers to biological attributes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of the world's population affected by Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by the age of 75?

3% Signup and view all the answers

What finding was identified in the research regarding word recall among older adults?

Recognition of words remains stable while recall is impaired. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intelligence is known to increase with age according to the information provided?

Crystallized intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Social Clock' refer to in developmental psychology?

The culturally preferred timing of social events Signup and view all the answers

In what type of study was the conclusion about IQ stability over time supported?

Longitudinal studies Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what was the result of cross-sectional studies in relation to mental decline?

They initially supported the notion of mental decline. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fluid intelligence' refer to in the context of cognitive development?

Ability to process new information and solve abstract problems quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the effects of age on crystalline and fluid intelligence is accurate?

Crystallized intelligence increases while fluid intelligence decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the evidence regarding the existence of a 'social clock'?

There is no evidence to support its existence. Signup and view all the answers

What did the study conducted by Crook & West (1990) focus on regarding dementia?

Testing the cognitive recognition of names Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe chemicals or viruses that can harm the development of an embryo or fetus?

Teratogens Signup and view all the answers

The placenta fully protects the fetus from all external substances.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the SRY gene responsible for in prenatal development?

Determining biological sex by influencing gonadal formation. Signup and view all the answers

At birth, newborns have a preference for stimuli that appear _____ like.

face Signup and view all the answers

What effects can smoking during pregnancy have on the fetus?

Lower birth weight Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stages of prenatal development with their time frames:

Zygote = Up to 2 weeks Embryo = 2-8 weeks Fetus = 8 weeks – birth Signup and view all the answers

Newborns are capable of locating odors and identifying their mother by smell from birth.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Mozart Effect' in relation to fetal development?

The theory that listening to Mozart may enhance cognitive development, though it is controversial. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's population is estimated to have Alzheimer's Disease by age 75?

3% Signup and view all the answers

Fluid intelligence tends to increase with age.

False Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive ability increases with age according to the information given?

Crystallized intelligence Signup and view all the answers

The culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage and retirement is referred to as the __________.

Social Clock Signup and view all the answers

Match the following studies with their conclusions:

Cross-sectional studies = Originally supported mental decline Longitudinal studies = IQ stable over time Signup and view all the answers

What process significantly develops after birth contributing to motor development in infants?

Myelination Signup and view all the answers

Infants develop strong attachments to their caregivers primarily to satisfy their need for food.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the average age at which humans begin to form their first memories?

3.5 years Signup and view all the answers

The development of _____ is essential for improved communication between neurons in infants.

myelin Signup and view all the answers

According to the concept of plasticity, how do infants adapt to their environment?

By creating more synapses Signup and view all the answers

Match the stages or elements to their descriptions:

Synapse formation = Process by which connections between neurons are made Myelination = Development of the protective sheath around nerve fibers Attachment = Emotional bond between infant and caregiver Contact comfort = Physical closeness that provides comfort to infants Signup and view all the answers

What developmental psychologist conducted notable experiments on infant attachment using monkeys?

Harry Harlow Signup and view all the answers

The neurons present at birth make up only a small fraction of the adult brain size.

False Signup and view all the answers

At what age does a child's brain reach approximately 80% of its adult size?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the emotional tie between an infant and their caregiver?

Attachment Signup and view all the answers

Stranger anxiety occurs before object permanence develops.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Critical Period' in development?

An optimal period shortly after birth when an organism's exposure to certain stimuli leads to proper development. Signup and view all the answers

The process by which certain animals form attachments during a critical period is called ______.

imprinting Signup and view all the answers

Match the following attachment styles with their descriptions:

Secure attachment = Trusting relationship with a caregiver Insecure attachment = Anxious or inconsistent relationship Avoidant attachment = Avoiding closeness and emotional connection Signup and view all the answers

According to Erikson, basic trust is formed during which developmental period?

Infancy Signup and view all the answers

A relaxed mother is more likely to contribute to secure attachment than a stress-prone mother.

True Signup and view all the answers

What method did researchers use to observe attachment styles in infants?

Strange Situation Test Signup and view all the answers

According to development theories, self-concept begins to develop at around ______ months of age.

6 Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by imposing rules and expecting obedience?

Authoritarian Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by high responsiveness and clear communication of rules?

Authoritative Signup and view all the answers

Adolescents can think critically about their own thoughts and the perceptions of others.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the average age range for females to enter puberty?

11-13 years Signup and view all the answers

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of _ to _ years.

48, 55 Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of human development with its associated characteristic.

Adolescence = Transition from childhood to adulthood Puberty = Period of sexual maturation Menopause = Cessation of menstruation Andropause = Male hormonal change relating to aging Signup and view all the answers

What is the average life expectancy difference between women and men in Canada?

5-6 years Signup and view all the answers

Andropause is exclusively a female phenomenon.

False Signup and view all the answers

At what age do males typically enter puberty?

Around 13 years Signup and view all the answers

By the age of 100, women outnumber men by a ratio of _____ to 1.

5 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about adolescents is true?

They can critique their own beliefs and society. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prenatal Development

Zygote: The initial stage of development, lasting up to 2 weeks.
Embryo: Development from 2 to 8 weeks.
Fetus: Development from 8 weeks until birth.
Organogenesis: This process begins in the first trimester, where organs begin to form.
Fetal Response: Fetuses respond to sound by the end of the second trimester.
Mozart Effect: The idea, disputed as factual, that listening to Mozart's music enhances cognitive development.
Placental Barrier: One of two lines of defense against teratogens.
Blood Brain Barrier: The second line of defense against teratogens, not fully developed in the fetus.
Teratogens: Harmful substances, such as chemicals or viruses, that can negatively impact embryonic or fetal development.
Teratogen Effects: Can result in physical, behavioral, or cognitive problems for a developing baby.

Teratogen Examples

Examples: Viruses, environmental toxins, drugs, industrial products.
Smoking Impact: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with birth defects, lower birth weight, spontaneous abortions, and premature babies.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Affects 1.9 in 1,000 live births, with higher rates in populations with problem drinkers. There is no safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy

Impact: Can lead to lower birth weight, a higher risk of miscarriage, and increased chances of SIDS.
Caffeine: While the full effects of caffeine during pregnancy are still being researched, it can potentially affect an infant's physical and cognitive development.

Reproductive Development and Sex

Sex Determination: Determined by the SRY gene on the Y chromosome.
Gonads: Reproductive organs, shaped by sex-specific hormones, which produce specific gametes (sperm or eggs).
External Genitals: Hormones determine the formation of visible external genitals, such as a vagina (XX) or penis (XY).
Medical Sex Identification: Doctors visually identify the sex of a newborn based on external genitals.
AFAB and AMAB: Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB) refers to individuals assigned the female sex at birth, while Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB) describes those assigned the male sex at birth.

Sex and Gender

Gender: A psychosocial construct influenced by social norms, cultural beliefs, and personal identity.
Sex vs. Gender: While sex is determined biologically, gender is a broader concept that may not always align with a person's biological sex.
Non-Binary: A gender identity that is not exclusively male or female.

Intersex

Intersex: A condition where genetic and gonadal sex do not align or are ambiguous.
Reproduction: Intersex conditions can affect a person's ability to reproduce.
Negative Outcomes: Mislabelling and surgeries for corrective procedures can have potentially negative lasting impacts on individuals' lives.

Newborn Development

Taste and Smell: Newborns show a preference for sweet tastes and have odor preferences from birth.
Smell Recognition: Infants can locate odors and recognize their mothers by scent.
Hearing: Newborns can hear a wide variety of sounds, prefer complex sounds over pure tones, and learn sound patterns within days after birth.
Language Sensitivity: Infants display a predisposition for language learning and are sensitive to voices.

Newborn Vision and Attention

Face-like Preferences: Newborns show a preference for stimuli resembling faces.
New Stimulus Attention: Infants will initially pay more attention to new stimuli, but with repeated exposure, their response diminishes.

Infant Development

Physical Development: Encompasses brain development and motor skills.
Cognitive Development: Focused on Piaget’s theories of cognitive stages.
Social Development: Includes attachment, self-concept, and child-rearing styles.

Brain Development

Neuron Abundance: Almost all neurons are present at birth.
Brain Size: The brain reaches 80% of its adult size by age 2.
Myelination: Developing glial cells that produce myelin, increasing nerve impulse speed and efficiency.
Synaptic Formation: Continuous development of new synapses, enhancing brain plasticity.

Motor Development

Maturation: The process of biological growth that leads to orderly changes in behavior, less significantly influenced by experience.
Developmental Sequence: Examples include standing before walking and grasping objects before using utensils.

Memory and Reflexes

Memory: The first memories tend to occur around 3 years of age, becoming less easily forgotten by age 4-5 .
Reflexes: Innate, automatic responses to stimuli present at birth, which typically disappear over time.

Attachment

Attachment Theory: Previously believed to be driven by the infant's need for food, but later research proved the importance of "contact comfort."
Harry Harlow's Research: His experiments with monkeys demonstrated the significance of "contact comfort" for infant development.
Attachment: The emotional tie with another person, the parent or caregiver, is crucial for a child's emotional well-being.
Safe Haven: The caregiver provides a safe, supportive space for the child.
Secure Base: The caregiver provides a foundation for exploration and confidence.

Stranger Anxiety

Development: Arises after the concept of object permanence is established.
Familiarity: Infants develop a schema for familiar faces, leading to anxiety around strangers.

Critical Period and Imprinting

Critical Period: A specific time period during development when exposure to certain stimuli is essential for proper development.
Konrad Lorenz: His work on imprinting in animals showcased this critical period and the formation of early attachments.
Imprinting: The process, primarily in animals, where strong attachments are formed during a specific early life stage.

Attachment Types

Secure Attachment: Predicts positive social and emotional development.
Erikson's Trust: Basic trust in the world is fostered during infancy by responsive and nurturing caregivers.
Strange-Situation Test: An experiment with a parent, child, and stranger that reveals the level of a child's stranger anxiety..

Attachment Types and Parenting

Secure Attachment: Characterized by trust, and resilience.
Insecure Attachment: Characterized by anxiety and uncertainty in relationships.
Attachment Avoidance: Involves avoidance of attachment, often rooted in past negative experiences.

Maternal and Paternal Impact

Maternal Factors: Mothers’ personalities, such as being relaxed or stress-prone, can influence attachment patterns.
Paternal Factors: Fathers’ emotional reactions and hormonal changes during pregnancy can also play a role in a newborn's development.

Self-Concept

Self-Concept: A sense of one’s identity and personal worth.
Development: Begins around 6 months, fully forming around 18 months of age.
Mirror Recognition: While mirror recognition is a factor, it's not the only contributor to self-awareness.

Parenting Styles

Authoritarian: Parents are demanding and expect obedience, with little room for discussion.
Permissive: Parents are lenient and submit to their children's desires, with less emphasis on rules.
Authoritative: Parents are both demanding and responsive, setting clear rules but providing reasonable explanations and encouraging open communication.

Adolescense

Adolescence: The transition period from childhood to adulthood, encompassing puberty to independence.

Puberty

Puberty: The period of sexual maturation, marked by the ability to reproduce.
Age: Females typically enter puberty between 11 and 13 years old, while males usually begin around 13 years old.
Age Trends: The onset of puberty is decreasing compared to earlier centuries.

Adolescent Thinking

Cognitive Changes: Adolescents develop the ability to think about their own thinking, consider others' perspectives, and analyze social interactions.
Idealism: May lead to criticism of society, parents, and themselves as they strive for higher ideals.

Life Expectancy

Canadian Statistics (2020-2022): Women generally outlive men by 5-6 years.
Gender Imbalance: At birth, there are slightly more males than females, but the percentage of women increases as age progresses.
Life Expectancy Trends: Girls born in 2005 are predicted to outlive boys by 4.7 years.

Later Life Stages

Menopause: The cessation of menstruation and the biological changes associated with declining reproductive ability.
Andropause: The male counterpart to menopause, a period of hormonal changes and sometimes declined sexual function.
Dementia: Several types of dementia exist, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) affecting around 3% of the world's population by the age of 75.
Alzheimer's Disease: Typically affects the acetylcholine system of the brain.

Alzheimer's Disease

Pathology: Characterized by plaque formation and tangled proteins in the brain.
Impact: Leads to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Cognitive Decline

Memory Tests: Studies involving recognition and recall tasks have revealed potential age-related decline in recall, but not recognition, of information.
Caffeine Impact: Caffeine has been shown to improve recall performance in older individuals.

Research Studies

Cross-Sectional studies: Examine individuals of different ages at a single point in time, which initially suggested mental decline.
Longitudinal studies: Track the same individuals over extended periods, indicating that overall IQ remains relatively stable.

Cognitive Abilities

Crystallized Intelligence: Generally increases with age, encompassing areas of vocabulary and problem-solving.
Fluid intelligence: Declines with age, representing the ability to think quickly and abstractly.

Social Clock: The culturally preferred timing of life milestones such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement.
Existence: There is limited evidence to support the existence of a rigid social clock.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of developmental psychology focusing on early childhood. From brain growth to attachment styles, this quiz covers essential aspects of infant and adolescent development. Challenge yourself with questions on significant studies and developmental milestones.