Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the term 'maturation' refer to in developmental psychology?
What does the term 'maturation' refer to in developmental psychology?
Which of the following statements best describes the nature versus nurture debate?
Which of the following statements best describes the nature versus nurture debate?
In the context of developmental psychology, what does the term 'critical period' refer to?
In the context of developmental psychology, what does the term 'critical period' refer to?
Which of the following perspectives emphasizes the role of experiences in shaping development?
Which of the following perspectives emphasizes the role of experiences in shaping development?
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What is meant by 'continuous development'?
What is meant by 'continuous development'?
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According to the principles outlined in developmental psychology, what does 'neuroregeneration' refer to?
According to the principles outlined in developmental psychology, what does 'neuroregeneration' refer to?
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How do critical periods differ from sensitive periods in development?
How do critical periods differ from sensitive periods in development?
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Which of the following best describes the impact of maturation on behavior?
Which of the following best describes the impact of maturation on behavior?
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What happens if the penis does not develop during the critical period of 7-11 weeks?
What happens if the penis does not develop during the critical period of 7-11 weeks?
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Which period is characterized by a limited time when an organism is most responsive to specific stimulation?
Which period is characterized by a limited time when an organism is most responsive to specific stimulation?
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What does Elizabeth Spelke suggest about babies and their understanding of object behavior?
What does Elizabeth Spelke suggest about babies and their understanding of object behavior?
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What element is NOT included in Richard Aslin's model of environmental influence?
What element is NOT included in Richard Aslin's model of environmental influence?
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Which model describes a scenario where a skill develops because of environmental experience, leading to permanent gains?
Which model describes a scenario where a skill develops because of environmental experience, leading to permanent gains?
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What aspect of development does behaviour genetics primarily study?
What aspect of development does behaviour genetics primarily study?
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How does the internal model of experience influence an individual?
How does the internal model of experience influence an individual?
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Which term best describes a period when children can still develop a skill outside the optimal time but it may be less functional?
Which term best describes a period when children can still develop a skill outside the optimal time but it may be less functional?
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What does the ecological perspective primarily emphasize in child development?
What does the ecological perspective primarily emphasize in child development?
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Which of the following is an example of a situation that falls under gene-environment interaction?
Which of the following is an example of a situation that falls under gene-environment interaction?
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Study Notes
Perspectives on Development
- Development is viewed differently; no single perspective is "correct."
- Perspectives include nature vs. nurture, sequences vs. stages, internal/external influences, behavior genetics, gene-environment interactions, internal models, ecological perspective, and Aslin's model.
Nature vs. Nurture
- Nature: Hereditary information from parents.
- Nurture: Environmental (physical and social) influences affecting biological makeup and psychological experiences.
- Examples: Language development, brain regeneration are impacted by both nature and nurture.
- Idealists/Rationalists (like Plato, Descartes) believed some knowledge is innate.
- Empiricists (like Locke) believed the mind is a blank slate (tabula rasa) at birth, and knowledge comes from experience.
Sequences and Stages
- Continuity: Gradual development, adding skills; quantitative change.
- Discontinuity: New, different ways of responding emerge at specific, predetermined stages; qualitative change.
- Examples: Gait, balance (ataxia) in walking, illustrate continuous/discontinuous perspectives.
Internal and External Influences (Modern Developmental Psychology)
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Maturation: Genetically programmed, sequential change; universal, relatively unaffected (impervious) by environment.
- Examples: menarche, fetal development (penis development time frame)
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Timing of Experience: Specific experiences interact with maturation. Critical and sensitive periods exist.
- Critical Periods: A specific timeframe is crucial for the development of a particular behavior (e.g., depth perception in kittens, sex development). Experience outside that specific timeframe might prevent its development or development might change and not be optimal.
- Sensitive Periods: Optimal timeframes for development. Behavior can still develop later, but less efficiently. (e.g., language development, ducklings imprinting)
- Inborn Biases and Constraints: Development arises from experience filtered through prior biases, limiting developmental options. (e.g., objects falling down.) Spelke's concept of inborn biases.
Behavior Genetics
- Studies genetic influences on behavior.
- Twin studies (identical vs. fraternal) and adopted children are common research methods.
- Heritability affects various aspects: physical characteristics, temperament.
Gene-Environment Interaction
- Environment influences a child's genetic expression, and vice versa.
- Child's behavior affects how others respond.
- Interpretations of experiences are shaped by inborn tendencies (e.g., intelligence, temperament).
Internal Models of Experience
- Individual's view (internal aspect) of experiences is significant.
- Internal models are core ideas about self and relationships, filtering subsequent experiences.. based on past, shapes the future.
- Example: core values formed in early years (e.g., "I am loved," "I am different").
Aslin's Model of Environmental Influence
- Maturation: Purely developmental, no environmental input (eye color).
- Maintenance: Environmental input needed to sustain a skill (swimming).
- Facilitation: Experience leads to earlier development (language).
- Attunement: Experience leads to lasting gains (reading exposure).
- Induction: Experience necessary for behavior development (piano).
Ecological Perspective (Bronfenbrenner)
- Focuses on external forces influencing children's development.
- Complex social environment (ecology) affects children.
- Interaction of various system levels crucial for development. (cultural factors/individualistic vs collectivist). Cultural factors are integral to this.
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Description
This quiz explores various perspectives on human development, including the nature vs. nurture debate and the concepts of sequences and stages in development. Understand how internal and external influences shape psychological experiences, and the differences between continuous and discontinuous development. Test your knowledge of influential theories and models in developmental psychology.
