Developmental Psychology Overview
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Questions and Answers

Research suggests that early sexual activity is considered beneficial for both boys and girls.

False (B)

Boys in adolescence tend to focus on emotional intelligence and relationship management.

False (B)

Adulthood generally shows a decline in gender-specific behaviors.

True (A)

Parents of adolescents with less education have more control over their children's behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a significant connection between early sexual activity and childhood abuse.

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

Boys tend to behave more aggressively than girls.

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

Sex and gender are considered the same concepts.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Girls have more issues with emotional regulation compared to boys.

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

Simon Lavay's research found no structural differences in the hypothalamus between straight and gay men.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gender identity refers to how a person demonstrates gender based on traditional roles.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Young children can recognize their gender at the age of 3.

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

The differences between males and females are significant enough to suggest that nurture solely determines behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Early sexual activity in teens is linked to unconventional attitudes about morals.

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

Epigenetics studies how genes are affected by the environment.

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

The embryonic stage of development lasts from the 3rd week to the 8th week.

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

The Germinal period occurs between weeks 14 and 20 of prenatal development.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Myelination is a process that occurs during the fetal stage of development.

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

Teratogens have the greatest impact during the fetal stage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Methylation refers to the activation of genes through protein interaction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All babies are male at conception unless testosterone is present.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bilingual brains have fewer synapses compared to monolingual brains.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Amniocentesis is a medical test performed within the first 2 weeks of pregnancy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chomsky proposed the idea of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) to explain language development.

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

Telegraphic speech consists of simple one-word phrases.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud, all childhood memories are troubling and should be repressed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive development can be significantly influenced by environmental factors such as socioeconomic status.

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

Jean Piaget believed that adult minds possess a greater quantity of knowledge compared to children's minds.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The critical period for language development means learning is impossible after it has passed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scaffolding involves more advanced children helping their peers with learning.

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

Adoptive parents can form an equally strong bond with their children as biological parents.

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

Breast milk has no immune supporters for infants.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All humans are genetically programmed to know how to stand up.

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

Prolonged emotional neglect has no impact on brain development in infants.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Infants tend to look away if their mother is displaying a cranky mood.

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

Environment plays no role in motor skill development.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Strange Situation Study' by Mary Ainsworth focuses on a child's temperament.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Girls tend to have better gross motor skills than boys by age 10.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Researchers found that babies prefer the character that helps another character in a puppet show.

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

Easy babies are characterized by irregular sleeping and hunger patterns.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

There are four stages in Lawrence Kohlberg's moral development theory.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Attachment styles in infants are influenced solely by biological factors.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Children with a secure attachment demonstrate greater resilience and curiosity as they reach preschool.

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

The ability to walk alone typically develops at 15 months.

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

The critical stage of development means that skills can't be learned without proper readiness.

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

Slow-to-warm-up babies adapt quickly to new situations and experiences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bidirectional Relationship

Genes and behavior influence each other. This means environmental factors and mental habits can affect gene expression, and genes can influence behaviors.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental influences modify gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

Methylation

A process that attaches a methyl group to DNA, often causing genes to become inactive. This can be triggered by environmental factors.

Placenta

A vital organ during pregnancy that acts as a filter, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the fetus while protecting it from harmful substances.

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Germinal (Zygotic) Period

The first two weeks of prenatal development, characterized by rapid cell division and implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall.

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Embryonic Stage

The period from the 3rd to the 8th week of prenatal development, marked by rapid growth, cell differentiation, and the formation of major organs and systems.

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Fetal Stage

The longest stage of prenatal development, spanning from the 9th week until birth. During this stage, body systems continue to mature and prepare for life outside the womb.

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Teratogens

Harmful substances that can cause birth defects or abnormal development in a fetus. The greatest vulnerability to teratogens occurs during the embryonic stage.

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Sex

The biological differences between males and females.

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Sex Roles

Behaviors expected based on biological sex. For example, breastfeeding.

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Gender

Behavioral patterns considered appropriate for men (masculine) and women (feminine).

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Sexual Orientation

Who a person is attracted to, physically or emotionally.

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Gender Identity

How a person identifies themselves regardless of physical sex.

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Gender Expression

How a person demonstrates their gender based on traditional roles.

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Gender Schema

How a child learns gender roles and expectations from their environment.

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John/Joan Experiment

A controversial study that attempted to prove gender is learned, not innate, by raising a genetically male infant as a girl.

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Conventional Views

Beliefs and ideas that are widely accepted and considered normal within a society or group, often influenced by dominant power structures.

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Early Sexual Activity and Child Abuse

There is a correlation between early sexual activity and a history of childhood abuse.

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Gender Role Theory

This theory explains how gender roles are learned and reinforced through socialization. It suggests that children observe and internalize the behaviors expected of their assigned gender.

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Exaggerated Gender Behavior in Adolescence

During adolescence, individuals tend to exhibit more stereotypical gender behaviors, emphasizing physical strength and competition in boys, and emotional sensitivity and interpersonal harmony in girls.

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Decline in Gender-Specific Behavior in Adulthood

As people age, they tend to show less extreme gender differences in behavior. Women may become less concerned with conforming to social expectations, and men may become less focused on physical dominance.

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Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

Chomsky's theory that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language. This suggests that we have a biological predisposition for language acquisition.

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Cooing

The first stage of language development where babies produce vowel sounds around 2 months old.

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Babbling

The second stage of language development where babies start adding consonants to their vowel sounds around 6 months old.

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Holophrases

One-word phrases used by toddlers to express a complete thought or idea.

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Telegraphic Speech

Simplified sentences used by young children, typically missing function words like articles and prepositions.

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Enriched Environment

A stimulating environment that promotes cognitive development in children, including access to books, toys, and opportunities for interaction.

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Critical Period

A specific time window during development where certain skills must be learned for proper development. If missed, it may be difficult or impossible to develop those skills.

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Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The gap between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with the help of a more knowledgeable person (teacher).

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Still Face Experiment

A study where a caregiver stops responding to their baby's social cues, resulting in the baby showing distress and emotional regulation difficulties. This highlights the importance of responsive caregiving for infant development.

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Visual Cliff

An experiment testing infants' depth perception. Babies with secure attachment and emotional feedback from caregivers are less likely to crawl over the edge of a perceived cliff, demonstrating their ability to perceive depth and trust their caregivers' cues.

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Emotional Development in Infants

Infants possess a rich emotional life and are capable of expressing various emotions. They learn to regulate their emotions through experiences, interactions, and caregiver responsiveness. Prolonged neglect can lead to negative impacts on their emotional development and brain health.

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Temperament

A person's innate behavioral and emotional style. It can be influenced by both genetics and environment. Three common temperaments in babies include easy, difficult, and slow-to-warm-up.

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Easy Babies

Babies with a temperament characterized by regular sleep and eating patterns, adaptability to new situations, and a generally positive mood. They tend to be more responsive and predictable, making them easier to care for.

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Difficult Babies

Babies with a temperament characterized by irregular sleep and eating patterns, negative mood, and difficulty adapting to new situations. They tend to be more irritable and prone to fussy behavior.

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Slow-to-Warm-Up Babies

Babies with a temperament characterized by initially cautious and withdrawn behavior. They require more time to adjust to new situations and people but eventually become more relaxed and engaged.

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Secure Attachment

A healthy bond between a caregiver and child, where the child feels secure and confident that their needs will be met. Securely attached children are more resilient, self-controlled, and curious in preschool.

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Nature vs. Nurture

The debate about whether our traits are determined by genetics (nature) or by our experiences (nurture).

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Critical Stage

A specific period in development when a skill is most easily acquired.

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Motor Skills Development

The process of acquiring physical abilities like walking, grasping, and drawing.

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Prosocial Behavior

Acting in a way that benefits others, like helping or sharing.

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Yale Baby Study

Research showing that babies prefer those who are helpful and show concern for others.

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Lawrence Kohlberg

A researcher who developed a theory of moral development.

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Preconventional Morality

Focusing on consequences and self-interest in moral decision-making.

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Conventional Morality

Following social rules and expectations in moral decision-making.

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Study Notes

Developmental Psychology

  • Developmental psychology studies how people change physically, mentally, and socially throughout their lifespan.
  • Age is a confounding variable in psychological studies.
  • The continuity view suggests development is gradual and smooth.
  • The discontinuity view proposes development is in distinct stages.
  • Heritability investigates the influence of genetics on behavior or traits.
  • Environmentability explores the impact of environment and culture on behavior or traits.

Nature vs. Nurture

  • Stanley Hall and Sigmund Freud proposed that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.
  • Behavioral genetics is a study, which explores this idea.
  • Some environmentalists argue that experiences shape people in a tabula rasa.
  • Genotype refers to the genetic makeup (DNA, genes, chromosomes) of an individual.
  • Epigenetics studies how the environment affects gene activity.
  • Maturationism posits that development is primarily driven by genetic instructions, with the environment playing a secondary role.

Phenotype and Prenatal Development

  • Phenotype describes the observable traits of an individual.
  • Dominant and recessive genes influence traits.
  • Polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes.
  • Epigenetics examines external factors that affect gene activity.
  • Methylation is a process by which gene expression is turned off due to protein interaction.
  • Prenatal environment significantly affects mental health.
  • The placenta acts as a filter for oxygen and nutrients.
  • The germinal period is the first two weeks of prenatal development.
  • The embryonic stage (3rd to 8th week) is characterized by rapid growth and development of organs.
  • The fetal stage (final 7 months) involves growth and maturation of body systems.
  • Teratogens are harmful prenatal substances that can cause birth defects.
  • Maternal stress hormones can alter gene expression.
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is caused by heavy maternal alcohol consumption.

Infancy and Childhood

  • Babies can exhibit complex behaviors, like "faking cries."
  • Babies have an enormous number of neurons and synapses that prune over time.
  • Infants show reflex actions, like sucking and rooting.
  • Children's physical development involves gross motor skills (walking) and fine motor skills (grasping) milestones.
  • Infants have a preferred food source, being mothers' milk.
  • Children's language development evolves rapidly.
  • Children's language is learned by interacting with environment.
  • Different parenting approaches may promote development in different ways.
  • Early childhood experiences can lead to issues later in life.

Middle Childhood

  • Body growth is rapid, with motor skills improving.
  • Girls and boys usually match or exceed growth, but boys typically have better gross motor skills, and girls have better fine motor skills.
  • Environmental influences play a role in child development.
  • At this age, children are more able to understand concepts and develop their abilities.

Moral Development and Language

  • Moral development involves understanding concepts of right and wrong.
  • Language development involves various stages according to different theories.
  • Chomsky proposed the language acquisition device (LAD).
  • Early language development includes cooing, babbling, and holophrases.
  • Later development includes telegraphic speech and whole sentences.

Memory in Children

  • Children's memories can be influenced by various factors including the memory system development.
  • Freud believed repressed memories were the foundation of human behaviors.
  • Psychologists disagree on what triggers repressed memories.
  • Children may have implicit memories that are difficult to recall.

Mental Development

  • Environmental factors like SES play a significant role in cognitive development.
  • Vygotsky highlighted the social interaction in cognitive development.
  • A critical period exists in early development where certain skills must be developed (visual cortex, language, etc).
  • Sensitive periods are gradual and learning can be still possible after.

Adolescence

  • Adolescence involves physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes.
  • Puberty is a defining change.
  • Adolescents can face emotional distress and social issues.
  • Intimacy and relationships are more critical for development in this stage.
  • Peer influence increases during this time; parents play a critical role.

Social and Emotional Development

  • Emotional development includes controlling emotions, managing conflicts, and responding to others.
  • Parenting styles affect child development, with different approaches (permissive, authoritative, authoritarian, etc.) having varying impacts.
  • Attachment styles are significant for emotional regulation.
  • Babies have rich emotional lives from birth, and neglect can have profound effects.

Adult Development

  • Adult development includes intimate relationships, parenthood, work, and aging.
  • Marriage can affect marital satisfaction and parenting behaviors, but can increase in some aspects.
  • Social interaction and relationships play vital roles at different developmental stages.
  • Physical abilities and cognitive function change as people age.
  • Some illnesses and negative factors may occur with age.

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Infant and Child Lecture Notes PDF

Description

Explore the key concepts in developmental psychology, including the nature vs. nurture debate. This quiz covers important theories about human growth, genetic influences, and environmental impacts on behavior. Test your knowledge of how psychological development occurs across the lifespan.

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