Overview of Developmental Psychology

Infancy (birth to 2 years)

Middle childhood is characterized by a focus on acquiring new skills and knowledge, developing stronger self-control, and building friendships.

Socioeconomic status and parenting styles.

<p>Observational studies observe behaviors in natural or controlled settings without manipulating variables, while experimental studies manipulate variables to examine cause-and-effect relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Longitudinal studies allow researchers to track the same individuals over a long period, revealing patterns of change and stability in development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The debate between nature and nurture in developmental psychology centers on the relative contributions of inherited traits (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping human development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Critical periods in developmental psychology refer to specific time frames during which certain experiences are crucial for normal development. During these periods, the brain is highly sensitive to certain stimuli, and missing out on these can have lasting effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in Vygotsky's theory represents the gap between what a child can accomplish independently and what they can achieve with guidance from a more knowledgeable person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In Erikson's theory, the primary task to be resolved during adolescence is the identity vs. role confusion stage. During this stage, adolescents explore different roles and identities, trying to create a sense of self and belonging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Piaget's theory of cognitive development proposes distinct stages with qualitative differences in thinking abilities, unlike continuous models that emphasize gradual, incremental change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of how and why humans change throughout life.

Debate on the impact of genetics (nature) vs. environment (nurture) on development.

Key times in development when certain experiences have significant impacts.

Children develop understanding through stages, each with unique cognitive abilities.

Outlines eight developmental stages, each with a psychosocial crisis to resolve.

Early childhood experiences influence emotional bonds and relationships later.

Period from birth to 2 years; rapid growth, motor skills, and attachment form.

Ages 12 to 18; marked by identity exploration and independence from parents.

Method that manipulates variables to study cause-and-effect relationships.

Elements like genetics, environment, and culture that shape development.