1.1 Thinking About Development

Question 1

What are the fundamental issues?

Answer 1

Nature - Nurture
Continuity - Discontinuity
Universal - Context Specific

Question 2

Nature-Nurture Issue

Answer 2

The degree to which genetic or hereditary influences (nature) and experiential or environmental influences (nurture) determine the kind of person you are.

Question 3

Continuity - Discontinuity Issue

Answer 3

Whether a particular developmental phenomenon represents a smooth progression through the life span. (Continuity) or a series of abrupt shifts (discontinuity) develop

Question 4

What are the four forces of biopsychosocial framework?

Answer 4

1. Biological - genetics and health
2. Psychological - self image and thoughts
3. Sociocultural - Culture and Ethnic background
4. Life-Cycle - How people perceive their current situation and its effects on them.

These are mutually interactive.

Question 5

How does Neuroscience enhance our understanding?

Answer 5

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system especially in terms of brain behavior relationships. It can identify patterns of brain activity that helps demonstrate how developmental forces interact.