Developmental Psychology: Nature vs Nurture

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best exemplifies the 'nature' aspect in the context of developmental psychology?

  • A child learning to read through a specific educational program.
  • An adolescent changing their political views based on peer influence.
  • An infant's temperament being generally easygoing from birth. (correct)
  • An adult developing new skills through professional training.

A researcher is studying whether moral development occurs in distinct stages or is a continuous process. Which major issue in developmental psychology is this research addressing?

  • Nature versus Nurture
  • Stability versus Change
  • Continuity versus Stages (correct)
  • Critical Period versus Sensitive Period

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of stability in development?

  • A student excels academically in elementary school but struggles in high school.
  • A child with a difficult temperament learns to regulate their emotions effectively through therapy.
  • An individual's political views shift significantly during their college years.
  • A shy toddler consistently displays reserved behavior as a young adult. (correct)

During prenatal development, at what stage does the outer cells become the placenta, providing nutrients to the developing organism?

<p>Embryo (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the fetal stage of prenatal development (from 9 weeks to birth) particularly important for the development of vital organs?

<p>Because this is when the organs continue to develop and mature, preparing the fetus for survival outside the womb. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST severe and preventable consequence of prenatal exposure to teratogens?

<p>Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pregnant woman consumes a moderate amount of alcohol during her pregnancy. While her child does not show signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, they exhibit learning difficulties and behavioral problems later in childhood. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these outcomes?

<p>Even moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to subtle but significant neurodevelopmental effects in the child. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A newborn infant turns their head and opens their mouth when their cheek is stroked. This is an example of which newborn reflex?

<p>Rooting reflex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Researchers use habituation to study infant memory. How is habituation typically measured in these studies?

<p>By measuring the infant's heart rate and attention span to repeated stimuli. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following newborn preferences indicates an early predisposition to language acquisition?

<p>Preference for their mother's voice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nature and Nurture

The interplay of genetic inheritance and experiences shaping development.

Continuity and Stages

Debate on whether development is gradual or occurs in distinct stages.

Stability and Change

Examines which traits remain consistent and which change over time.

Zygote (0-2 weeks)

Fertilized egg that undergoes rapid cell division.

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Embryo (2-8 weeks)

The inner cells form this, while outer cells become the placenta.

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Fetus (9 weeks-birth)

By 9 weeks, the embryo becomes this, and vital organs develop.

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Teratogens

Harmful substances that can damage the fetus.

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Rooting Reflex

Turning toward touch for feeding.

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Grasping Reflex

Holding objects tightly.

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Habituation

Decreased response to repeated stimuli.

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Study Notes

  • Developmental psychology examines how individuals evolve, focusing on nature versus nurture, continuity versus stages, and stability versus change.

Nature vs. Nurture

  • Explores the interaction between genetic inheritance and environmental experiences in shaping development.

Continuity vs. Stages

  • Examines whether development is a gradual, continuous process or if it unfolds through distinct stages.
  • Piaget's cognitive development, Kohlberg's moral development, and Erikson's psychosocial development are examples of stage theories.
  • Brain growth spurts often coincide with these developmental stages.

Stability vs. Change

  • Investigates which traits remain consistent throughout life and which ones are subject to change with age.
  • Temperament tends to remain stable, while social attitudes are more prone to change, especially during adolescence.
  • Early childhood traits often persist into adulthood.

Stages of Prenatal Development

  • Zygote (0-2 weeks): rapid cell division occurs in the fertilized egg.
  • Embryo (2-8 weeks): inner cells develop into an embryo, and outer cells form the placenta.
  • Fetus (9 weeks-birth): the embryo develops into a fetus, and vital organs develop by the sixth month

Teratogens

  • Teratogens are harmful substances, including alcohol, nicotine, and drugs, that can harm the developing fetus.
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) results from the mother's heavy drinking during pregnancy, leading to lasting cognitive and physical issues.

Newborn Reflexes

  • Newborns have survival instincts like the rooting reflex, which helps them find feeding sources by turning toward touch.
  • They also exhibit the grasping reflex, which allows them to hold objects tightly.

Research Methods for Newborns

  • Habituation, which is the decreased response to repeated stimuli, helps researchers study infant learning and memory.
  • Newborns show preferences for face-like images and recognize their mother’s voice.
  • Newborns display language preferences at birth.

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