Life-Span Development: Prenatal Week 2

Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of Bioecological Systems Theory?

Cognitive development stages in early childhood

Inherited genetic traits affecting personality

The immediate and extended environments influencing an individual (correct)

Physical growth changes in individuals over time

What does the term 'microsystem' refer to in the context of Bioecological Systems Theory?

The relationships between different social settings

The immediate settings that influence an individual directly (correct)

The larger social and cultural contexts surrounding an individual

The indirect influences from media and technology

Which term describes the social settings that can impact an individual without their direct participation?

Chronosystem

Microsystem

Exosystem (correct)

Macrosystem

What is primarily emphasized by Piaget in his view of discovery learning?

Learning that is retained through personal discovery Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the 'macrosystem' refer to in Bioecological Systems Theory?

The cultural and societal norms surrounding an individual Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adaptation to the environment in children?

To achieve equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Piaget’s stages of development?

Psychomotor Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical period in developmental psychology?

A crucial phase when development will not occur if certain experiences are missing Signup and view all the answers

According to Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, how are values transmitted to children?

Through social interactions and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Information-Processing Theory from Piaget’s theory?

It sees development as continuously changing rather than in formal stages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines imprinting in developmental psychology?

Inherent attachment to the first object that moves Signup and view all the answers

In terms of childhood learning, what did Vygotsky mean by 'what a child can do with assistance today she will be able to do by herself tomorrow'?

Assistance plays a vital role in a child's capability development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience?

Studying relationships between brain changes and cognitive development Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of prenatal development?

Germinal period Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does organogenesis primarily occur?

Embryonic period Signup and view all the answers

What are teratogens?

Agents that cause birth defects Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the embryo develops into the nervous system?

Ectoderm Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the fetal period?

2 months to birth Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the stage when identical twins are formed?

Monozygotic twins Signup and view all the answers

At what stage are most organs present in a developing embryo?

By the end of the embryonic period Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used in behaviorism?

Cognitive restructuring Signup and view all the answers

Erikson's theories of development emphasize which of the following?

Unique life history Signup and view all the answers

Which part of Freud's personality structure develops from interactions with caregivers?

Superego Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during critical periods in prenatal development?

Impact of environmental influences Signup and view all the answers

During which weeks is the central nervous system particularly vulnerable to teratogens?

2-5 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of being born preterm?

Need for support to survive Signup and view all the answers

What significant process begins shortly after fertilization?

Cell division (mitosis) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prenatal Development Stages

Prenatal development lasts 266-280 days, divided into three main periods: Germinal, Embryonic, and Fetal.
Germinal Period (First 2 weeks)
- Involves fertilization, rapid cell division, and zygote attachment to the uterine wall.
- Forms a blastocyst consisting of an inner mass (future embryo) and an outer layer (trophoblast).
- Can result in monozygotic twins (identical) from one zygote splitting or dizygotic twins (fraternal) from two separate zygotes.
Embryonic Period (2 to 8 weeks)
- Begins post-implantation when the blastocyst becomes an embryo.
- Intense cell differentiation occurs; major organs and support systems develop.
- Primary germ layers are established:
  - Endoderm (digestive/respiratory systems)
  - Mesoderm (bones/muscles/circulatory systems)
  - Ectoderm (nervous system/skin/hair/nails)
Fetal Period (From 2 months until birth)
- Characterized by significant growth and organ maturation.
- Viability at 24-25 weeks; a full term fetus is born at 38 weeks or more.
- If born before 38 weeks, classified as preterm, with potential developmental issues.

Common Types of Teratogens

Teratogens are harmful agents that can cause birth defects or adversely affect development.
Effectiveness varies based on timing, particularly during critical periods of organ development:
- Development of limbs (3-8 weeks)
- Heart structure (2-6 weeks)
- Central nervous system (2-5 weeks)
- Eyes (3-8 weeks)
- Mouth and teeth (7-12 weeks)

Theories of Development

Psychoanalytic Perspective
- Focuses on conflicts between biological drives and social expectations.
- Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson emphasize individual life histories.
Behaviorism & Social Learning
- Behaviorism centers on stimulus-response relationships and reinforcers/punishments.
- Social learning theory (Bandura) highlights modeling behavior as a learning process.
Cognitive-Developmental Theory (Piaget)
- Children actively construct knowledge, progressing through four stages to achieve cognitive equilibrium:
  - Sensorimotor
  - Preoperational
  - Concrete Operational
  - Formal Operational
Information-Processing Theory
- Examines how the mind manages information; development is continuous rather than staged.
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
- Integrates psychology, biology, and neuroscience to assess the impact of brain changes on development.
Ethology & Evolutionary Developmental Psychology
- Emphasizes survival behaviors shaped by natural selection; distinguishes between critical and sensitive periods of development.
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
- Suggests that culture and social interaction play crucial roles in child development through cooperative dialogues with knowledgeable others.
Bioecological Systems Theory
- Describes layers of environmental influences on development:
  - Microsystem: Direct interactions (e.g., family, school)
  - Mesosystem: Interconnections between microsystems
  - Exosystem: Indirect influences (e.g., parent’s workplace)
  - Macrosystem: Broader cultural context.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in prenatal development during week 2. It outlines the stages of prenatal development, identifies common teratogens, and differentiates theories of human development. Test your knowledge on early life stages and their impact on lifelong growth.