Introduction to Developmental Psychology

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used in developmental psychology for data collection?

  • Observations
  • Self-reports
  • Experiments
  • Focus groups (correct)

Developmental psychology only considers cognitive growth in human beings.

False (B)

Name one key figure associated with Psychoanalytic Theory.

Sigmund Freud

Bronfenbrenner's theory focuses on the interaction between a developing individual and their surrounding __________ systems.

<p>interconnected</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following developmental theories with their primary focus:

<p>Cognitive Theory = Social interaction in cognitive development Psychoanalytic Theory = Impact of unconscious urges Learning Theory = Role of imitation in behavior Evolutionary/Sociobiological Theory = Biological underpinnings of behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Learning Theory emphasize in child development?

<p>Environmental influence on behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Vygotsky, cognitive development is solely an individual process, independent of social interaction.

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

What are two primary domains explored in developmental psychology besides cognitive growth?

<p>Physical growth and psychosocial growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the embryonic stage of prenatal development?

<p>Rapid organ and major body system development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maternal nutrition can negatively impact fetal development.

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

What is the duration of the germinal stage in prenatal development?

<p>0-2 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first four weeks of life are known as the _________ period.

<p>neonatal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stages of childbirth with their descriptions:

<p>Stage 1 = Uterine contractions leading to full cervical dilation Stage 2 = Pushing the baby through the birth canal Stage 3 = Expulsion of the placenta</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle describes the growth pattern where development occurs from the head down?

<p>Cephalocaudal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Infants born with low birth weight are at a lower risk for health issues.

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

Name one factor besides maternal nutrition that can negatively impact prenatal development.

<p>Teratogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Defining Developmental Psychology

  • The scientific study of changes and stability across the human lifespan
  • Employs scientific methods to describe, explain, and predict changes
  • Explores various periods of development, categorized by age
  • Considers the interconnected domains of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth

Pillars of Developmental Theory

  • Psychoanalytic Theory: Explores the impact of unconscious urges on behavior (Freud) and the influence of societal interactions on personality development through a series of crises (Erikson)
  • Learning Theory: Emphasizes how the environment shapes behavior through traditional learning principles (behaviorism) and the role of observation and imitation in social contexts (social learning theory)
  • Cognitive Theory: Focuses on qualitative shifts in thought processes (Piaget), the centrality of social interaction in cognitive development (Vygotsky), and human beings as processors of symbols (information-processing theory)
  • Contextual Theory: Underscores the interaction between a developing individual and their surrounding interconnected systems of influence (Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecological theory)
  • Evolutionary/Sociobiological Theory: Highlights adaptive mechanisms for survival, emphasizing critical periods for specific behaviors and the biological underpinnings of behavior (Bowlby's attachment theory)

Data Collection and Methodologies

  • Self-reports: Directly gathering information from individuals
  • Observations: Observing behavior in natural settings (naturalistic observation) or controlled environments (laboratory observation)
  • Correlational Studies: Examining statistical associations between variables, noting that correlation does not imply causation
  • Experiments: Manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships, utilizing experimental and control groups for comparison

Prenatal Development

  • Spans conception to birth (gestation)
  • Divided into three critical stages

Germinal Stage (0-2 weeks)

  • Characterized by zygote division, increasing complexity, and implantation in the uterine wall

Embryonic Stage (2-8 weeks)

  • Rapid organ and major body system development
  • Most severely defective embryos typically do not survive past this stage
  • Growth follows cephalocaudal ("from the top down") and proximodistal ("from the center out") principles

Fetal Stage (8 weeks-birth)

  • Marked by the emergence of bone cells, rapid growth, and ongoing development of organ systems and sensory capabilities

The Neonatal Period

  • First four weeks of life
  • A period of transition from complete dependence within the womb to relative autonomy

Negative Impacts on Prenatal Development

  • Maternal Nutrition: Inadequate maternal nutrition and weight management can negatively impact fetal development
  • Teratogens: Environmental agents such as drugs, alcohol, and maternal illnesses can interfere with normal prenatal development
  • Maternal and Paternal Factors: Maternal age, stress levels, and exposure to environmental hazards, as well as paternal exposure to lead, tobacco, alcohol, and radiation, can pose risks to fetal development

Childbirth

  • Triggered by hormonal changes
  • Progresses through distinct stages

Stage 1

  • Uterine contractions leading to full cervical dilation

Stage 2

  • Pushing the baby through the birth canal

Stage 3

  • Expulsion of the placenta

Medical Interventions

  • Episiotomy (a surgical cut to enlarge the vaginal opening)
  • Electronic fetal monitoring
  • Cesarean delivery

Newborn Assessment

  • Newborns exhibit distinct physical characteristics, including a large head, red skin, and temporary skin conditions.
  • They also display reflex behaviors such as rooting, grasping, sucking, and the Moro reflex.
  • Health assessments utilize tools like the Apgar scale and the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.

Low Birth Weight

  • Infants born with low birth weight (preterm or small-for-date) face increased health risks.

Post-Maturity

  • Post-mature babies (born after 42 weeks) may experience complications due to placental inefficiency.

Infant Mortality

  • Stillbirth, the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of gestation, is a significant concern.

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