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?
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What are the aspects of human development?
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What are the key developmental domains?
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What does physical development refer to?
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What is cognitive development?
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What is psychosocial development?
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What are biological forces?
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What encapsulates psychological forces?
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What do sociocultural forces include?
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What is the lifespan perspective?
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What are age-graded changes?
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What are age norms?
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What defines childhood?
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What period do we define as emerging adulthood?
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What is continuity versus discontinuity?
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What is the scientific method?
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What is reliability in research?
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What does validity refer to in research?
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What is a random sample?
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What is a case study?
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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
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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.
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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.