Developmental Psychology Themes and Methods
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Questions and Answers

What is developmental psychology?

The scientific study of how and why people change over their life span in cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains.

What are the two main themes in developmental psychology?

Nature and nurture, and continuity and stages.

Which of these is NOT a research method used in developmental psychology?

  • Experimental Research
  • Longitudinal Research
  • Case Study Research (correct)
  • Cross-Sectional Research

What is the primary purpose of longitudinal research?

<p>To study changes over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "teratogen" refer to?

<p>Harmful substances that can affect prenatal development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The "visual cliff" experiment is used to assess an infant's understanding of object permanence.

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

What major developmental milestone marks the transition to sexual maturity?

<p>Puberty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of attachment styles?

<p>Secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance?

<p>Zone of Proximal Development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key contributions of Lev Vygotsky to developmental psychology?

<p>He emphasized the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development, language as central to thinking and learning, and scaffolding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Piaget's four stages of cognitive development?

<p>Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between assimilation and accommodation in Piaget's theory?

<p>Assimilation involves incorporating new information into existing schemas, while accommodation involves altering existing schemas or creating new ones to adapt to new information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key concepts of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory?

<p>Microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, macrosystems, and chronosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary characteristics of authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative parenting styles?

<p>Authoritarian parenting is strict and demanding, permissive parenting is lenient and indulgent, and authoritative parenting is balanced and responsive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "temperament" refer to in the context of child development?

<p>Innate traits influencing how children respond to their environment, including emotional reactivity and adaptability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imprinting is a type of learning primarily observed in humans.

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

Contact comfort is essential for emotional development, particularly during infancy.

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

What are the different stages of early language development?

<p>Cooing, babbling, one-word stage, and two-word stage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a specific time in early childhood when the brain is especially capable of learning language fluently?

<p>Critical period.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between phonemes and morphemes in language?

<p>Phonemes are the smallest units of sound that can change the meaning of a word, while morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of "semantics" in the study of language?

<p>Word meanings and their context-based interpretations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Grammar is a set of rules that govern how words are combined to form meaningful sentences.

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

What does "syntax" refer to in the context of language?

<p>Rules determining word and phrase arrangement within sentences to convey meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

"Cooing" is a late stage in language development, typically observed around age two.

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

What is the primary focus of the "claim challenge" activity in language development?

<p>To encourage students to develop and defend arguments about factors influencing language development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept of the "ecological systems theory"?

<p>A child's development is shaped by multiple interacting environmental systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is developmental psychology?

The scientific study of how and why people change throughout their lives in areas like thinking, feeling, socializing, and physical development.

What's the nature vs. nurture debate in developmental psychology?

It explores how genes (nature) and life experiences (nurture) work together to shape development.

What is continuity in development?

Development is a gradual and continuous process, like learning a language.

What are stages in development?

Development happens in stages, marked by distinct shifts or phases.

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Explain the stability and change theme in developmental psychology.

Examines how some traits stay consistent, while others change throughout life.

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What is longitudinal research?

A research method where the same individuals are followed over a period of time to observe changes and long-term effects.

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What is cross-sectional research?

A research method where individuals of different ages are compared at the same time to identify developmental patterns.

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What is Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?

Erikson's theory describes eight psychosocial stages of development, each with a conflict to resolve.

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What is the Trust vs. Mistrust stage (Birth to 18 months)?

The first stage of Erikson's theory, where infants learn to trust their caregivers.

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What is the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage (18 Months to 3 Years)?

The second stage where toddlers develop a sense of autonomy and independence. If supported, they gain confidence. If overly criticized, they develop shame and doubt.

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What is the Initiative vs. Guilt stage (3 to 6 Years)?

The third stage where preschoolers learn to take initiative and make decisions. Encouragement builds confidence, while criticism leads to guilt.

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What is the Industry vs. Inferiority stage (6 to 12 Years)?

The fourth stage where school-aged children develop competence through skill development. Praise builds confidence, while criticism leads to feelings of inadequacy.

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What is the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage (12 to 18 Years)?

The fifth stage where teenagers form a stable identity. Exploring interests and receiving support helps solidify a sense of self.

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What is the Intimacy vs. Isolation stage (18 to 40 Years)?

The sixth stage where young adults form deep relationships and find intimacy. Failure to connect leads to loneliness and isolation.

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What is the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage (40 to 65 Years)?

The seventh stage where middle-aged adults contribute to society and the next generation. Feeling purpose leads to fulfillment, while feeling stagnant leads to disconnection.

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What is the Integrity vs. Despair stage (65+ Years)?

The eighth stage where older adults reflect on their lives with either satisfaction and wisdom or regret and despair.

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What is prenatal development?

The process of growth and development of a fetus in the womb from conception to birth.

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What are teratogens?

Harmful substances or factors that can cause developmental issues or birth defects when a fetus is exposed.

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What are reflexes in newborns?

Automatic, instinctual responses in newborns that help them survive, like sucking or grasping.

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What is maturation?

An orderly process of changes in behavior and physical growth, driven by genetics.

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What are developmental milestones?

Specific skills or behaviors typically achieved at certain ages, reflecting progress in physical, cognitive, and social development.

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What are sensitive periods?

Crucial periods in early development when specific skills are most easily learned.

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What are fine motor skills?

Control of small muscles for precise tasks, like writing or buttoning.

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What are gross motor skills?

Use of large muscles for broader movements, like jumping or running.

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What is the visual cliff experiment?

An experiment testing depth perception in infants using a glass surface that creates the illusion of a drop-off.

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What is puberty?

The stage of physical and hormonal changes during adolescence, leading to sexual maturity.

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What is adolescent growth spurt?

A rapid increase in height and weight during puberty, driven by hormonal changes.

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What is menopause?

The natural end of a woman's reproductive years, marked by hormonal changes and the cessation of menstruation.

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What are attachment styles?

Patterns of bonding between children and caregivers, influencing future relationships.

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What are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)?

Traumatic events experienced before age 18 (e.g., abuse, neglect), with long-term effects on mental health.

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What is the social clock?

A cultural timeline setting expected ages for milestones like marriage or having children.

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What is emerging adulthood?

A transitional stage from late teens to mid-20s, characterized by exploration and self-discovery in career paths, relationships, and personal identity.

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What is adolescent egocentrism?

A stage in adolescence, marked by self-focus, believing their experiences are unique and others are constantly observing them.

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What are possible selves?

The different versions of who individuals might become, including their ideal selves and feared selves.

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What is social identity?

An individual's sense of self derived from their membership in social groups.

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What's Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

Piaget's theory describes four stages of cognitive development, highlighting how children's thinking evolves.

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What are schemas?

Cognitive frameworks that help categorize and interpret information based on prior experiences.

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What is assimilation?

Incorporating new information into pre-existing schemas.

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What is accommodation?

Changing existing schemas or creating new ones to adapt to new information.

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What is the sensorimotor stage?

Piaget's first stage (birth to 2 years) where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions.

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What is object permanence?

The understanding that objects exist even though they cannot be seen.

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What is the preoperational stage?

Piaget's stage (ages 2-7) characterized by symbolic thinking, imagination, and language development, but limited logical reasoning.

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What is parallel play?

Children play alongside each other without direct interaction, focusing on their activities.

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What is animism?

The belief that inanimate objects have human-like qualities, common in early childhood.

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What is egocentrism?

Difficulty understanding perspectives other than one's own, common in early childhood.

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What is theory of mind?

The ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives that are different from one's own.

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What is the concrete operational stage?

Piaget's stage (ages 7-11) where logical thinking develops for concrete objects.

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What is conservation?

The understanding that certain properties remain consistent despite changes in appearance.

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What is reversibility?

The ability to mentally reverse an action.

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What is the formal operational stage?

Piaget's final stage (12+ years) where individuals develop abstract and hypothetical thinking.

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What is Vygotsky's sociocultural theory?

Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development.

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What is scaffolding?

Tailored support from a knowledgeable individual to help a learner acquire new skills.

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What is the zone of proximal development (ZPD)?

The gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

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What is crystallized intelligence?

Accumulated knowledge and skills acquired through experience, improving with age.

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What is fluid intelligence?

The ability to solve novel problems and think abstractly, peaking in early adulthood.

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What is dementia?

Cognitive decline affecting memory, judgment, and communication, often in older adults.

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What is language?

A structured system of communication using symbols, sounds, and grammar.

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What is a critical period for language development?

A specific time in early childhood when the brain is especially capable of learning language fluently.

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What are phonemes?

The smallest distinct units of sound in a language that can change a word's meaning.

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What are morphemes?

The smallest units of meaning in a language, including root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

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What is semantics?

The study of meaning in language, including word meanings and their context-based interpretations.

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What is grammar?

The set of rules that govern how words combine to form meaningful sentences.

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What is syntax?

Rules determining word and phrase arrangement within sentences to convey meaning.

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What is cooing?

An early language development stage where infants produce soft, repetitive vowel sounds.

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What is babbling?

A stage starting around 4-6 months where infants produce repetitive consonant-vowel combinations.

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What is the one-word stage?

A phase, typically around one year, where children use single words to express entire ideas.

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What is the two-word stage?

A phase around age two where children begin combining two words into simple sentences.

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What is overgeneralization?

A language development error where children apply grammatical rules too broadly, like saying "goed" instead of "went."

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What are nonverbal manual gestures?

Physical movements like pointing or waving used for communication without speech.

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What is the ecological systems theory?

Explains how a child's development is shaped by multiple layers of environmental systems.

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What is an authoritarian parenting style?

A strict parenting style focused on obedience and discipline, often with limited warmth.

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What is a permissive parenting style?

A lenient approach emphasizing warmth with few rules or boundaries.

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What is an authoritative parenting style?

A balanced style combining high expectations with responsiveness and support.

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What is temperament?

Innate traits influencing how children respond to their environment, including emotional reactivity and adaptability.

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What is imprinting?

A rapid, instinctive form of learning in animals, forming strong attachments to the first moving object they see after birth.

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What is contact comfort?

Emotional security derived from physical touch, particularly between infants and caregivers.

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What is separation anxiety?

A distress response from infants or young children when separated from their caregiver.

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Study Notes

Developmental Psychology Themes

  • Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why people change throughout their lifespan, encompassing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains.
  • Nature and nurture interact to shape development. Studies on twins raised in different environments show enriched settings enhancing intellectual abilities, even with constant genetic factors.
  • Continuity vs. stages. Development can be a gradual process, such as language skills improving progressively, or occur in distinct phases, such as significant milestones marking changes.
  • Stability vs. change. Some traits persist over time (stability), while others evolve (change). A shy child may remain reserved as a teen but develop coping mechanisms.

Research Methods

  • Longitudinal research follows the same individuals over time to observe long-term effects. Examples include tracking preschoolers' educational outcomes from kindergarten to high school
  • Cross-sectional research compares individuals of different ages at the same time to identify developmental patterns. For example comparing cognitive abilities in children, adults, and seniors to see changes across different ages.

Prenatal Development

  • Prenatal development encompasses growth and development of a fetus from conception to birth.
  • Teratogens are harmful substances that can cause developmental issues or birth defects, impacting the fetus. Examples include alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
  • Environmental pollutants, infections (like rubella or Zika virus), can also cause problems.

Reflexes

  • Reflexes are automatic, instinctual responses in newborns. Examples include the rooting reflex (turning the head toward a cheek touch to locate food), and grasping reflex (clenching a caregiver's finger).

Maturation

  • Maturation is a biological process of orderly changes in behavior and physical growth, driven by genetics. A child progresses naturally from crawling to walking, demonstrating this predictability.

Developmental Milestones

  • Developmental milestones reflect progress in physical, cognitive, and social development. Examples include crawling, babbling, and attachment in infancy or developing abstract thinking and moral reasoning in adolescence.

Sensitive Periods

  • Sensitive periods are critical times during early development when the brain is receptive to learning specific skills. A child exposed to language early in life may develop fluency more easily.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

  • Fine motor skills involve control of small muscles for precision tasks (like writing or buttoning).
  • Gross motor skills involve use of large muscles for broader movements (like jumping or running).

Visual Cliff

  • The visual cliff is an experiment measuring depth perception in infants. Infants may hesitate to crawl over the glass surface, demonstrating early depth perception.

Puberty

  • Puberty is a stage of physical and hormonal changes leading to sexual maturity. Boys experience voice deepening and facial hair growth; girls experience menstruation and widening hips.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

  • Adolescent growth spurt is a period of rapid increase in height and weight during puberty, driven by hormonal changes.

Menopause

  • Menopause is the natural end of a woman's reproductive years, marked by hormonal changes and cessation of menstruation.

Attachment Styles

  • Attachment styles are patterns of bonding between children and caregivers that impact future relationships (secure, avoidant, anxious, disorganized).

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

  • ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (abuse or neglect) and can have long-term effects on health and well-being.

Adolescent Egocentrism

  • Adolescent egocentrism is a stage marked by self-focus, believing their experiences are unique, leading to imaginary audience and personal fable. Imaginary audience involves the belief others continuously observe them; personal fable is the belief in their experiences' uniqueness and invulnerability.

Possible Selves

  • Possible selves are the various versions of who individuals might become (ideal selves and feared selves).

Social Identity

  • Social identity is an individual's sense of self derived from their membership in social groups. Categories include race/ethnicity, gender identity, occupational identity, religious identity and familial identity.

Identity Development Stages

  • Identity development spans different stages of exploration and commitment to beliefs, goals and values. Stages include Identity Diffusion, Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Achievement.

Jean Piaget

  • Piaget's theory focuses on cognitive development, highlighting stages and concepts like schemas, assimilation, and accommodation.

Lev Vygotsky

  • Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and culture in cognitive development. Key concepts include scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

Crystallized & Fluid Intelligence

  • Crystallized intelligence is accumulated knowledge and skills, increasing with age. Fluid intelligence is solving new problems and thinking abstractly, peaking in early adulthood.

Dementia

  • Dementia is a cognitive decline affecting memory, judgment, and communication, often prevalent in older adults.

Language Development

  • Language development includes syntax (sentence structure), cooing, babbling, one-word and two-word stages, overgeneralization, and grammar to convey meaning. Examples include cooing, babbling to two word stages, as examples of language development.

Ecological Systems Theory

  • Ecological systems theory explains how a child's development is shaped by multiple environmental layers (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem).

Parenting Styles

  • Parenting styles include authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative.

Temperament

  • Temperament refers to innate traits influencing children's responses to their environment, such as emotional reactivity and adaptability.

Imprinting

  • Imprinting is a rapid, instinctive form of learning in animals, where strong attachments are formed to the first moving object seen after birth.

Contact Comfort

  • Contact comfort is emotional security derived from physical touch, especially between infants and caregivers. It's important for emotional development.

Separation Anxiety

  • Separation anxiety is a distress response from infants or young children when separated from their caregiver.

Attachment Styles

  • Attachment styles, like secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized, are patterns of bonding between children and caregivers, influencing future relationships, and reflect the security and reliability of caregiving.

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Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology PDF

Description

Explore the key themes and research methods in developmental psychology through this quiz. Learn about how individuals change across their lifespan and the interplay of nature and nurture in development. Test your understanding of concepts like continuity, stages, and the significance of longitudinal versus cross-sectional studies.

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