Human Development Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is human development?

The scientific study of change and continuity that occurs as we move from conception to death.

What does human development involve?

Gains, losses, neutral changes, and continuities in each phase of lifespan.

You have to _ to develop. Not all __ is developmental.

change

What defines development?

Relative permanence and functional significance. Signup and view all the answers

What are the aspects of human development?

Growth, biological aging, maturation, learning. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key developmental domains?

Physical, cognitive, psychosocial. Signup and view all the answers

What does physical development refer to?

Physical changes such as height, shape changes, weight fluctuations, and puberty. Signup and view all the answers

What is cognitive development?

Growth and change in intellectual capabilities including learning, thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. Signup and view all the answers

What is psychosocial development?

Changes in variables associated with the individual's relationships with others. Signup and view all the answers

What are biological forces?

Genetics and health-related factors that affect development. Signup and view all the answers

What encapsulates psychological forces?

Internal perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and personality factors that affect development. Signup and view all the answers

What do sociocultural forces include?

Interpersonal, societal, cultural, and ethnic factors that affect development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lifespan perspective?

The view that human development is multiply determined and cannot be understood within a single framework. Signup and view all the answers

What are age-graded changes?

Socially defined status, roles, privileges, and responsibilities based on one's age group. Signup and view all the answers

What are age norms?

Behavioral expectations by age. Signup and view all the answers

What defines childhood?

Children as innocents to be protected and nurtured. Signup and view all the answers

What period do we define as emerging adulthood?

The most recently defined phase, age 18-29. Signup and view all the answers

What is continuity versus discontinuity?

Focuses on whether the same or different explanations must be used over time to explain developmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific method?

A process of posing and answering questions using careful, controlled techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What is reliability in research?

The extent to which a measure provides a consistent index of a characteristic. Signup and view all the answers

What does validity refer to in research?

The extent to which a measure actually measures what researchers think it does. Signup and view all the answers

What is a random sample?

A method to select a portion of the population to be studied using random means. Signup and view all the answers

What is a case study?

An in-depth examination of an individual or a small number of individuals in a real-life setting. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Development Overview

Scientific study of changes from conception to death, emphasizing continuity and change throughout life.
Involves gains, losses, neutral changes, and consistencies across various phases of life.

Aspects of Human Development

Growth: Physical changes from conception to maturity.
Biological Aging: Deterioration leading to inevitable death.
Maturation: Developmental changes driven primarily by genetics.
Learning: Permanent changes in behavior due to experience.

Key Developmental Domains

Physical Development: Height, weight fluctuations, puberty, and sensory perceptions.
Cognitive Development: Growth in learning, thinking, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Psychosocial Development: Changes in individual relationships and social interactions.

Forces Affecting Development

Biological Forces: Genetics and health affecting physiological changes and brain development.
Psychological Forces: Internal factors, including perceptions, cognition, and emotional states.
Sociocultural Forces: Impact of society, culture, and interpersonal relationships.
Spiritual Forces: Influence of spirituality, religion, and cultural elements on development.

Lifespan Perspective

Development is a lifelong process influenced by multiple factors and pathways.
Understanding development requires viewing interactions between biological, environmental, and social factors.

Phases of Lifespan

Childhood: Innocence requiring protection and nurturing.
Adolescence: Distinct phase with significant changes.
Emerging Adulthood: Age 18-29, a recently defined phase.
Middle Age: Recognized in the mid-20th century.
Old Age: Defined in the 20th century.

Nature vs. Nurture

Balance of genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences on individual development.
Continuity vs. Discontinuity: Development can be smooth with gradual changes or consist of distinct stages.

Directions of Development

Directional Growth:
- Head to tail: Head larger than the body early in life.
- Center outward: Trunk develops first in growth.
- Undifferentiated to differentiated: Everything develops progressively.

Timing of Developmental Events

Critical Period: Specific sensitive times for certain experiences influencing development.
Sensitive Period: Particular span when responsiveness to experiences is maximized.

Societal and Cultural Influences

Culture: Encompasses technology, art, values, and beliefs shaping development.
Ethnicity: Groups based on common heritage with differing developmental experiences.
Socioeconomic Status (SES): Indicator of social standing based on occupation, education, and income.

Research and Methodology

Scientific Method: Systematic approach for posing questions and testing hypotheses.
Developmental Research: Specialized designs for studying changes as individuals age.
Observational Techniques:
- Naturalistic: Observations in real-life contexts.
- Structured: Researcher-controlled settings to elicit specific behaviors.

Validity and Reliability

Reliability: Consistency of measures over time.
Validity: Accuracy of what a measure intends to assess.

Types of Studies

Experimental Studies: Identify cause-effect relationships through manipulation of variables.
Correlational Studies: Examine systematic relationships between variables.
Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individuals in real-life settings.
Qualitative Research: Focus on interviews and non-numerical data.

Research Designs

Cross-Sectional: Different ages measured at the same time.
Longitudinal: Change in the same individuals tracked over time.
Sequential Designs: Combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches.

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Description

These flashcards cover key concepts related to human development, emphasizing the scientific study of changes occurring throughout the lifespan. Explore terms and definitions that define the various aspects of development from conception to death.