Questions and Answers
Define cohort and give two examples of cohort effects. Why are these good examples?
A cohort is a group of people born at the same time and in the same geographical location. Examples include kindergarteners during 9/11 in the United States and the Kinnelon High School Class of 2014. These are good examples because they show groups of the same age influenced by significant events differently depending on their development.
Why is a lifespan perspective important? What two theories do you think most help you think about lifespan developmental outcomes/patterns? What are two theories that you think are most limited in understanding/predicting life span development?
Give two examples from the course that highlight how you can talk about the interaction of nature and nurture.
What is proximal process? How does this relate to bi-directionality?
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What are the levels of the ecological model? Can you give an example/explain each level?
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What are two ways you would talk about the chronosystem?
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How might the Logic Model/concepts presented by the Harvard child development lab/center apply to dynamic systems theory and the ecological model?
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What does it mean to say development is contextual? Plastic?
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Thinking about assigned readings in week 1, what are some current issues in developmental psychology? How have concepts in weeks 2-6 highlighted some of these current issues?
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Explain/give an example of each of the three main developmental issues/topics that developmental psychologists think about.
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Explain the main emphasis associated with psychoanalytic theories of development. Who are two theorists associated with these theories?
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Describe two of Erikson's stages.
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Vygotsky and Piaget had stagelike approaches to cognitive development, but information processing does not. What does this mean?
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Ecological models emphasize context, while ethological models emphasize biology/nature. What does this mean?
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What are three distinct ways we can measure developmental behaviors/patterns? What are three general study designs that help us study development?
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How are longitudinal studies different from cross-sectional studies?
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Study Notes
Cohorts and Cohort Effects
- A cohort is a group of individuals born around the same time and place.
- The kindergarteners during 9/11 represent a cohort affected by a significant event in their early development.
- Kinnelon High School Class of 2014 showcases a specific graduation cohort influencing educational experiences.
- Cohort effects illustrate how shared experiences impact individuals differently based on developmental stage.
Lifespan Perspective in Development
- A lifespan perspective emphasizes that development is continuous and influenced by various factors over time.
- Theories that help understand lifespan outcomes include lifespan development theory and ecological systems theory.
- Limited theories may include those focusing solely on childhood development or that do not account for socio-cultural factors.
Interaction of Nature and Nurture
- Examples include how genetic predispositions (nature) interact with environmental factors (nurture) in mental health outcomes.
- Another example is how parenting styles (nurture) can influence genetic expression related to behavior.
Proximal Processes and Bi-Directionality
- Proximal processes refer to the interactions between individuals and their environment that foster development.
- Bi-directionality means that development is influenced both by personal experiences and external interactions.
Levels of the Ecological Model
- Micro-system: Immediate environments (family, school) influencing the individual.
- Meso-system: Connections between different micro-systems (e.g., interaction between family and school).
- Exo-system: External environments (community resources) that indirectly affect development.
- Macro-system: Cultural and societal influences affecting individuals on a broad scale.
- Chrono-system: Changes in the environment over time, influencing development.
Understanding the Chronosystem
- Discuss the implications of significant life events (e.g., historical events, societal changes) on development.
- Explore transitions in an individual’s life (e.g., moving, changing schools) that impact their developmental trajectory.
Logic Model and Development Theories
- The Logic Model from the Harvard child development lab integrates dynamic systems theory, emphasizing the interplay between systems and changes over time.
- The ecological model aligns with the logic model by focusing on the context and environment influencing development.
Contextual and Plastic Development
- Development is contextual, meaning it is shaped by cultural, historical, and environmental factors.
- Plasticity refers to the ability of development to change or adapt in response to experiences at any stage of life.
Current Issues in Developmental Psychology
- Current issues include the impact of technology on development, mental health, and social disparities.
- Concepts introduced in subsequent weeks highlight the relevance of these issues in understanding contemporary developmental patterns.
Main Developmental Issues
- Nature vs. nurture: Understanding the influence of genetics and environment.
- Continuity vs. discontinuity: Examining whether development is gradual or stage-like.
- Stability vs. change: Investigating factors that lead to persistent traits or changes over time.
Psychoanalytic Theories of Development
- Emphasizes unconscious processes and childhood experiences as influential in personality development.
- Key theorists include Sigmund Freud, known for psychosexual stages, and Erik Erikson, known for psychosocial stages.
Erikson's Stages
- Trust vs. Mistrust (infancy): Establishment of trust based on caregiver responsiveness.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (adolescence): Development of a personal identity through exploration and commitment.
Cognitive Development Theories
- Vygotsky and Piaget proposed stage-based models, implying discrete phases in cognitive growth.
- Information processing theory proposes continuous development, focusing on how individuals process and use information.
Ecological vs. Ethological Models
- Ecological models prioritize context, highlighting environmental influences on development.
- Ethological models emphasize biological and evolutionary factors that shape behavior and development.
Measuring Developmental Behaviors
- Measurement methods include observational studies, surveys, and standardized tests.
- Study designs for understanding development include longitudinal, cross-sectional, and case studies.
Longitudinal vs. Cross-Sectional Studies
- Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over time to observe changes and developments.
- Cross-sectional studies compare different age groups at one point in time to infer developmental trends.
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Description
Explore the concepts of cohorts and cohort effects in the context of developmental psychology. Understand how shared experiences shape individuals differently throughout their lifespan. This quiz also covers the interaction of nature and nurture in mental health and development.
