Human Development Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What does the study of human development primarily focus on?

Physical health throughout the life span

Changes from maturity to old age

Processes of change and stability throughout the human life span (correct)

Cognitive skills in early childhood

Which of the following is NOT one of the four goals of developmental psychology?

Correct (correct)

Describe

Predict

Intervene

Which statement best describes the nature of human development?

It is a static process that does not involve adaptation.

It only occurs during the early stages of life.

It is only concerned with physical changes.

It is systematic, adaptive, and lifelong. (correct)

What type of influences contribute to variations among individuals?

Environmental, genetic, and cultural influences Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a question that would fall under the goal of 'describe' in developmental psychology?

When do children say their first words? Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the domain of physical development?

Body, brain, senses, and motor skills Signup and view all the answers

Which period of the life span is defined as lasting from birth to 3 years?

Infancy and toddlerhood Signup and view all the answers

How do perceptions of adolescence vary?

They change over generations and vary among cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following influences on development refers to inherited traits?

Heredity Signup and view all the answers

What defines a nuclear family?

Two generations: parents and children Signup and view all the answers

What is true about extended families?

They expand beyond immediate family members. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments tends to occur during young adulthood?

Forming personal identities and relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a direct influence on developmental timing and rate?

Cultural traditions Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'cultural' in the context of development?

A way of life including customs and traditions Signup and view all the answers

How does poverty most significantly affect children's health outcomes?

It increases the likelihood of premature birth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the notion of 'social roles'?

They are flexible and culturally dependent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a 'critical period' in development?

A specific timeframe crucial for certain developments Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence for poor children concerning education?

Increased dropout rates Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes 'normative history-graded influences'?

Events that are significant for historical generations Signup and view all the answers

What does 'plasticity of development' refer to?

The capacity for change in development performance Signup and view all the answers

In the context of socioeconomic status (SES), which aspect is NOT typically included?

Race Signup and view all the answers

What does 'non-normative influence' refer to?

Unusual occurrences impacting individual lives Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the concept of 'ethnic gloss'?

Overgeneralization that obscures cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

How does social support relate to poverty?

Social support is non-existent in high-unemployment areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor influencing development?

Family structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about 'age-graded normative influences' is TRUE?

They are fixed timing events experienced by all Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Study of Human Development

Human development involves systematic study of changes and stability throughout the human life span, from conception to maturity.
Developmental scientists analyze varying influences on individual differences, focusing on various periods of life.

Goals of Developmental Psychology

Describe: Analyze typical stages of language development in children.
Predict: Assess impacts of delayed language development on future speech.
Explain: Explore how children acquire language skills.
Intervene: Evaluate the effectiveness of therapies for addressing language delays.

Domains of Development

Physical Development: Encompasses changes in body, brain, health, and motor skills.
Cognitive Development: Involves growth in learning, memory, reasoning, and creativity.
Psychosocial Development: Relates to personality, emotional life, and social relationships.

Life Span Periods

Prenatal Period: Conception to birth.
Infancy and Toddlerhood: Birth to age 3.
Early Childhood: Ages 3 to 6.
Middle Childhood: Ages 6 to 11.
Adolescence: Ages 11 to 20.
Young Adulthood: Ages 20 to 40.
Middle Adulthood: Ages 40 to 65.
Late Adulthood: Age 65 and onward.

Influences on Development

Heredity: Genetic traits passed from biological parents.
Environment: Effects of physical surroundings and social interactions.
Maturation: Natural sequences guiding physical and behavioral growth.

Family Contexts

Nuclear Family: Comprises two generations (parents and children), common in Western cultures, and increasingly diverse.
Extended Family: Includes multiple generations and relatives; prevalent in many non-Western cultures but less common today.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

SES encompasses income, education, and occupation, significantly influencing a child's development.
Children in poverty face higher risks of health and educational challenges, including increased rates of infant mortality and dropping out of school.

Cultural Contexts

Culture shapes behaviors, customs, and traditions; it is transmitted through generations and influences individual identity.
Ethnic groups provide a sense of identity based on common ancestry or beliefs, with race being a socially constructed term that varies across society.

Historical Contexts

Individuals are shaped by the unique period and environment they grow up in, affecting their experiences and perspectives.

Timing of Influences

Normative Influences: Common experiences impacting age groups, e.g., puberty and social events.
Non-Normative Influences: Unique, atypical occurrences influencing life paths, such as a late puberty or winning a lottery.

Critical and Sensitive Periods

Critical Period: Specific developmental stage where absence or presence of an event has lasting effects.
Sensitive Period: Time when a child is especially receptive to certain experiences.

Plasticity of Development

Refers to the capacity for change in development throughout life, albeit with certain limitations. Notable example includes the case of Genie, who faced severe developmental restrictions.

Baltes’s Life Span Approach

Development is a lifelong process involving multiple dimensions and directions of growth.
Resource allocation changes over time, development demonstrates plasticity, and is profoundly influenced by one’s historical and cultural context.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of human development in this quiz based on Chapter 1 of Diane E. Papalia's work. Understand the evolution of human development studies and the various influences that differentiate individuals. Dive into the principles guiding life-span development.