Developmental Psychology Overview

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Questions and Answers

At what stage is the developing human referred to as an embryo?

From the 3rd to the 8th week (correct)

From conception to the end of the first trimester

From the beginning of labor until delivery

From the 9th week to birth

What is the purpose of the placenta in fetal development?

To provide a protective barrier against infections

To facilitate the absorption of nutrients by the baby (correct)

To maintain the mother's blood supply

To support fetal movement inside the uterus

Which principle describes the sequence of growth from larger structures to detailed refinements?

Proximodistal rule

Regulatory principle of development

Mass-to-specific sequence (correct)

Cephalocaudal rule

What is a significant risk factor for developing Down syndrome?

Advanced maternal age Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of teratogen exposure during pregnancy?

Learning impairment Signup and view all the answers

During which trimester do mothers typically experience the most pleasant phase of pregnancy?

Second trimester Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of smoking during pregnancy?

Lower birth weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an epidural during childbirth?

To provide pain management while keeping the mother aware Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following areas of development primarily focuses on thoughts and knowledge?

Cognitive Development Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the age group that is characterized by a focus on becoming an adult after high school?

Emerging Adulthood Signup and view all the answers

Which psychologist is known for his theory on psychosocial tasks that unfolds through eight stages?

Erik Erikson Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between normative and non-normative transitions?

Normative transitions are predictable, while non-normative transitions are unexpected. Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains how genetics can evoke certain reactions from other people?

Evocative force Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of prenatal development does fertilization occur?

Zygote Stage Signup and view all the answers

Which method of research involves manipulating variables and includes random assignment?

Experimental Research Signup and view all the answers

What principle of developmental psychology emphasizes that different individuals may experience unique developmental changes?

Individual Differences/Changes Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do boys typically have regarding gross motor skills?

A slight advantage in throwing activities Signup and view all the answers

In gender-segregated play, what behavioral tendency is commonly observed among girls?

Favoring calm, collaborative interactions Signup and view all the answers

What does the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) describe according to Vygotsky?

The gap between a child's independence and potential learning with help Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Piaget's view on cognitive development?

It unfolds in a natural, sequential manner based on experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of undernourishment in child development?

Stunting of growth and development of motor skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the first stage of Erikson's development theory?

Trust vs mistrust Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of imprinting in Konrad Lorenz's studies?

It allows for survival by ensuring following the first moving object. Signup and view all the answers

What did Harry Harlow's experiments with monkeys reveal about attachment?

Comfort and warmth are more important than food for attachment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'egocentrism' refer to in cognitive development?

The incapacity to see the world from another's viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

What role does scaffolding play in a child's learning process?

Tailoring teaching to align with a child's competence level. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'conservation' in cognitive development?

Understanding that shape change does not alter quantity. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'theory of mind' signify in child development?

Understanding that others have differing beliefs and perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'identity constancy' in psychological development?

Understanding that external changes do not affect a person's core self. Signup and view all the answers

At what age range do babies typically begin to crawl?

8-11 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the sensorimotor stage in Piaget's theory?

Understanding physical reality Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment type is characterized by indifference when reunited with a caregiver?

Insecure-Avoidant Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the hormone associated with bonding and nurturing in caregiving?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a child's drive to understand their separate identity?

Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

During which period do primary circular reactions occur?

1 to 4 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the 'Strange Situation' experiment?

It measures attachment through separations and reunions Signup and view all the answers

In which attachment stage does a child display clinginess and intense distress when separated from a caregiver?

Insecure-Anxious-ambivalent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Areas of Development

Physical development encompasses changes in body size, shape, and capabilities.
Cognitive development refers to changes in mental processes, including thinking, reasoning, and language.
Social development encompasses changes in relationships, interactions, and understanding of social roles.
Emotional development pertains to changes in emotions, emotional expression, and regulation.

Gerontology and Adulthood Stages

Gerontology studies the aging process and older adults.
Adolescence (around 13-18 years old) is a stage marked by physical development, hormonal changes, and societal expectations to attend high school.
Emerging adulthood (early 20s) emphasizes the transition from high school to adulthood, often marked by focus on education, career, and independence.
Late adulthood (60s/70s and later) can be divided into "young old" (relatively active and healthy) and "old old" (experiencing declines in physical and mental abilities).

Principles of Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is a multidisciplinary field, drawing from biology, sociology, and other disciplines.
It recognizes that children go through predictable stages of development, but individual differences and changes within those stages are prevalent.
Developmental experiences influence an individual's life trajectory.

Key Figures and Theories

G. Stanley Hall established the first institution dedicated to child development research.
Jean Piaget emphasized cognitive development, believing education was crucial for the development of knowledge and intelligence. Influenced by the Binet-Simon intelligence test, he proposed four stages of intellectual ability.
Erik Erikson focused on psychosocial development and his theory encompasses eight stages, each marked by a specific crisis to be resolved.

Nature vs. Nurture

The nature vs. nurture debate explores the relative contribution of biology (nature) and environment (nurture) to development.

Behaviorism

Focuses solely on observable behaviors, ignoring internal processes.
Views development as entirely driven by environmental influences (nurture) through conditioning.

Psychoanalysis

Aims to uncover unconscious motives and bring them to awareness to address maladaptive behaviors.
Techniques include free association and dream analysis.

Evocative and Active Forces

Evocative forces suggest that genetic predispositions elicit responses from others.
Active forces propose that genetics influence our choices regarding environments we seek.

Person-Environment Fit

Emphasizes the alignment between an individual's biological tendencies and talents with their environment.

Storm and Stress

A term coined by G. Stanley Hall, describing the turmoil and upheaval of adolescence.

Life Expectancy

Average life expectancy increased significantly during the 20th century due to advancements in medical technology, sanitation, and nutrition.

Normative and Non-normative Transitions

Normative transitions are expected life events like retirement, parenthood, and high school graduation.
Non-normative transitions are unexpected events, such as the death of a child or experiencing war.

Cohort

A group of individuals who move through life stages together, sharing similar experiences.

Schemas

Mental categories used to organize information.
Assimilation involves expanding existing schemas to incorporate new information.
Accommodation refers to modifying schemas to accommodate new information.

Psychosocial Task

Erikson's theory proposes a series of eight psychosocial crises that individuals face throughout life.
Successfully resolving each crisis contributes to healthy development, while unresolved crises can lead to difficulties in later stages.

Research Methods

Random assignment is a key element in experimental research to ensure that participants in different groups are comparable.
Classical conditioning, pioneered by Ivan Pavlov and John Watson, involves pairing two stimuli to create a new association.
Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, relies on reinforcement (rewards and punishments) to shape behaviors.
Correlational research examines relationships between two or more variables but does not establish causation.
Experimental research involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Cross-sectional research compares different age groups at a single point in time, providing insights into current trends.

Prenatal Development

Germinal stage (first two weeks) involves fertilization and implantation of the blastocyst.
Embryonic stage (third to eighth week) is characterized by the formation of the neural tube (brain and spinal cord) and rapid development of organs and systems.
Fetal stage (ninth week to birth) involves physical refinements, growth, and brain development.

Trimesters

The first trimester often brings unpleasant changes, such as fatigue, nausea, and frequent urination.
The second trimester is typically the most comfortable, with the baby's movements becoming more noticeable.
The third trimester is characterized by physical discomfort, including backaches, cramps, and shortness of breath, as the mother's body prepares for childbirth.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Provides specialized care for newborns at risk, such as those born prematurely or with low birth weight.

Stages of Labor

First stage: Dilation and effacement of the cervix.
Second stage: Birth, with the fetus moving from the uterus to the birth canal.
Third stage: Expulsion of the placenta.

C-Section

Surgical procedure for delivery involving the removal of the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Epidural Anesthesia

Pain management technique involving injection into the epidural space, providing pain relief without complete immobilization.

Conception

The process of fertilization, involving the union of sperm and egg.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures in the nucleus of cells containing DNA, carrying genetic information.
Humans have 23 pairs (46 total) chromosomes.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by an extra 21st chromosome, resulting in 47 total chromosomes.
Individuals with Down syndrome often experience intellectual disability, heart problems, and susceptibility to certain diseases.

Teratogens

Substances that can harm a developing fetus through the placenta.
Examples include infectious diseases, medications, drugs, and environmental pollutants.
Teratogens can cause significant damage, especially during the embryonic stage.

Smoking Danger

Smoking during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, constricted blood vessels, reduced nutrient flow to the baby, and increased risk of health problems for the child.

Motor Development Milestones

Motor development typically progresses from head control to trunk control, then to shoulder control, and finally to arm and leg control.

Sensorimotor Stage (Piaget)

The first two years of life are characterized by the development of basic understanding of physical reality through sensory experiences and movements.
Key milestones include object permanence and the development of language.

Autonomy

The desire for independence and the challenge of establishing a sense of self as a separate individual.

The understanding of social relationships, interactions, and the ability to interpret social cues.

Reinforcement

The process of strengthening a behavior through rewards or punishments.

Separation and Stranger Anxiety

Distress experienced when separated from a caregiver and wariness of unfamiliar people.

Strange Situation

A standardized test used to assess attachment patterns in children around 1 year of age. It involves separations and reunions with the caregiver.

Synchrony

The reciprocal and finely attuned nature of the attachment relationship, involving sensitive emotional responses between caregiver and infant.

Oxytocin and Cortisol

Oxytocin is a hormone associated with bonding, nurturing, and caregiving.
Cortisol is a stress hormone.

Circular Reactions

Repetitive, action-oriented habits that infants develop.
Primary circular reactions are centered on the body, developing from reflexes.
Secondary circular reactions involve exploring the external world, such as reaching for toys.
Tertiary circular reactions, characteristic of the second year of life, involve experimentation and exploration through trial and error.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

Power Assertion

An ineffective socialization strategy involving yelling, screaming, or hitting a child.

Sense of Shame and Pride

Self-conscious emotions that emerge when a child's goals are not met, demonstrating their ability to reflect on the self.

Head Start

A federal program offering services to low-income families with young children, including counseling, training, home visits, and early childhood education.

Temperament

An individual's inborn personality style characterized by their typical reactions to the world.
Temperament can be categorized into three general types: easy, slow-to-warm-up/inhibited, and difficult.

Attachment

The emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver.
Stages of attachment include pre-attachment (first three months) and attachment in the making (four to seven months).
Types of attachment include secure (ideal, characterized by a secure base, emotional responsiveness, and easy calming), avoidant (minimal emotional expression, indifference upon reunion), anxious-ambivalent (intense distress, clinging behavior), and disorganized (inconsistent responses, freezing, or fear).

Factors Influencing Attachment

Caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness to the child's signals are key factors.
The child's temperament also plays a role.

Erikson's First Two Stages

Trust vs. Mistrust (birth to 1 year) - The infant develops a sense of trust based on the reliability and consistency of their caregiver.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1-2 years) - The child establishes a sense of independence and control over their body and actions.

Imprinting (Konrad Lorenz)

A rapid form of learning in certain species, where offspring form an attachment to the first moving object they see.

Harlow's Monkey Studies

Demonstrated that infant monkeys preferred contact comfort (cloth mother) over a food-providing mother, highlighting the importance of social contact in attachment.

Bowlby's Attachment Theory

Influenced by Lorenz and Harlow, Bowlby proposed that infants stay close to their caregivers for survival, and that attachment bonds are built on interactions between the child and their caregiver.

Piaget's Cognitive Development Stages

Preoperational (2-7 years) - characterized by egocentrism, centration, and animism.
Concrete Operational (7-11 years) - Children begin to understand conservation, reversibility, and classification. They can think logically about concrete objects and events.
Formal Operational (11 years and up) - Children develop abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in higher-order cognitive functions, including planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and regulation of emotions and behaviors.

Egocentrism

The inability to see things from another person's perspective, often manifested in the belief that everyone sees the world the same way they do.

Scaffolding

Providing support to a child during learning by entering their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and gradually withdrawing support as they gain competence.

Conservation

The understanding that the quantity of a substance remains the same even when its appearance changes.

Centering

Focusing on the most visually striking aspect of a situation, neglecting other important factors.

Identity Constancy

The understanding that a person's identity remains the same despite changes in their appearance or behavior.

Artificialism

The belief that humans create everything in nature.

Working Memory

A temporary storage system that holds information actively being processed.

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on relevant information and ignore distractions.

Theory of Mind

The ability to understand that others have different beliefs, thoughts, and perspectives.

Overextension and Underextension

Overextension: Applying a word too broadly (e.g., calling all four-legged animals "dogs").
Underextension: Applying a word too narrowly (e.g., only referring to their own pet as "dog"). These tendencies gradually disappear through assimilation and accommodation.

Autobiographical Memories

Recollection of events in one's life history, often forming the basis of personal identity.

Physical Development Milestones

Gross Motor Skills involve large muscle movements, such as running and jumping.
Fine Motor Skills involve smaller, more precise movements, such as writing and drawing.

Gender Segregated Play

Play primarily with members of the same sex. Boys tend to engage in physical, active play in larger groups, while girls prefer more cooperative, verbal play in smaller groups.

False-Belief Tasks

Used to assess theory of mind by presenting scenarios where a person holds a false belief about an object's location.

Undernourishment

Lack of adequate nutrition can stunt growth and development, particularly affecting bone and muscle development, leading to reduced physical activity.

Preoperational Stage (Piaget)

The second stage of Piaget's cognitive development theory (ages 2-7), characterized by egocentrism, centration, and animism. Children begin to use symbols, but they cannot yet perform logical operations.

Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky)

The gap between a child's independent problem-solving abilities and their potential for learning with assistance from a more skilled individual.

Information Processing

Information processing theory views cognitive development as a continuous process of acquiring, transforming, and storing information.

Piaget vs. Vygotsky

Piaget emphasizes the natural unfolding of cognitive development through individual experiences.
Vygotsky highlights the role of social interaction and culturally-mediated learning in cognitive development.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the key areas of development including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth, alongside the stages of adulthood as studied in gerontology. This quiz delves into the changes that characterize different life stages such as adolescence, emerging adulthood, and late adulthood. Test your understanding of how these stages impact individuals at various points in their lives.