CH 4 Human Development (Questions) Flashcards
Myths about Early Experiences (4)
Infant Determinism: extremely early experiences (especially the first 3 years) are almost always more influential than later experiences in shaping human development
- Reality: experience depends on the domain; later childhood and adult experiences are important
Childhood Fragility: children can be easily damaged by experience
- Reality: young children are very resilient
Clarifying the Nature-Nurture Debate (5)
The relationship between genes and environment is complex
A person’s genetic makeup can determine how they respond to certain environments
Nature via Nurture: People might have certain traits or tendencies because of their genes, which can influence the kinds of environments they choose or create (traits are influenced by nature more than we think)
Gene Expression: Environment influences gene expression: Genes can turn “on and off” based on environmental experiences
- Epigenome
Stages of the developing body
- Conception
- Prenatal Development (3 stages)
- Brain Development
When does brain development begin? What occurs? (4)
Embryonic stage
Neural tubes form and become the brain and spinal cord
- Includes *Neuronal Proliferation and Migration
Obstacles to Normal Fetal Development (3)
- Teratogens
- Genetic Disorders
- Preterm infancy
Health Issues associated with preterm birth (9)
- Before 32 weeks: may lack adaptive reflexes
- Digestion issues; Thermoregulation issues
- Lung/breathing, cardiovascular, and immune deficiencies
- Neurological problems
- Low-birth weight
- Higher overall mortality
What is the correlation between brain and nervous system activity and the physical abilities of children?
Changes in the brain and nervous system lead to changes in the physical abilities of children.
What do infants begin life with?
Reflexes (ex. Sucking, Rooting, Blinking)
Physical Development in Childhood (10)
- Body proportions become more adult-like (slower development compared to infancy)
- Brain and Nervous System Development
- Brain is at 75% of adult weight by age 3, and 95% by age 6
- Pre-frontal cortex develops: Allows for increased capacity of self-control, attention, and reasoning
- Motor Skill Development
- Fine and Gross motor skills
Physical Development in Adolescence (2)
- Puberty
- Sexual Maturation
Sexual Development in Girls (4)
- Primary: pubic hair; breast development; Menarche
Sexual Development in Boys (6)
Primary: Testes and penis enlarge and pubic hair emerges; Spermarche
Secondary: Voice deepening, etc.
Timing of Puberty (2)
- Lots of variation
- Lifestyle factors contribute; genetics may play a role
How to maintain bodily performance as we age? (3)
Nutrition, physical activity (including load bearing), and practice
Differences in Theories of Cognition
- Continuous vs. discontinuous (stage-like)
- Domain-general vs. domain specific
- Source of learning: physical experience, social interaction, and biological maturation
Important Concepts in Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory (4)
- Schemes
- Assimilation
- Accommodation
- Equilibration
Limitations of Piaget’s Theory (4)
- Development is more continuous than stage-like
- Development is not universal and is unique to every individual
- Task demands and measurement
- Some tasks were too difficult
- Cultural Bias
Cognitive Landmarks of Early Development (3)
- Understanding the physical world
- Categorization and classification
- Memory
Cognitive Changes in Adolescence (5)
- Biological Foundations: Brain Maturation
- Hypothetical and abstract reasoning develop
- Generally good but includes problems like NaĂŻve idealism and Personal Fable
- Relativistic Thinking Develops
- Answers are not always “either-or” or “black-and-white”
Relative to social development, what are infants born with? (4)
Social Preferences
- Preference for faces over other stimuli
- Preferences for voices over other sounds
- Attachments to parents
What social nuances appear in infants?
- Infants prefer parents early on
- Stranger anxiety
Types if Temperaments in Children
- Easy
- Difficult
- Slow-to-warm-up
- Combination of types (~35%)
Aspects of Parental Attachment (3)
- Physical contact is crucial
- Woman: routine caregiving
- Men: “Rough-and-tumble” play
Types of Attachment
- Secure
- Avoidant
- Ambivalent
- Disorganized/ Disoriented
What characteristics are often found in the parents of Securely Attached infants? (3)
Happy, emotionally and physically responsive
What characteristics are often found in the parents of Insecure Attached infants? (3)
Emotionally unavailable, unmarried/separated, and experience poor mental health
General outcome of Securely Attached infants (4)
Have better cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural outcomes
Tend to raise securely attached children of their own
How can attachments change throughout life?
Secure to insecure: negative life events/changes
Parenting styles (4)
- Authoritarian
- Permissive
- Uninvolved
- Authoritative
Peer relationships in childhood (4)
Increase in importance as children get older
Allow children to develop social skills
”Best friend”
Often gender segregated
Peer relationships in adolescence
Seek autonomy and challenge parental authority: conflict is normal
May be more significant in adolescence than at any other time in the lifespan
Identity formation and validation through peer group
Romantic relationships
Relationships in Adulthood (6)
Marriage/ Divorce
Family
Children
Typically good experience as Grandparents
Smaller social circles; High quality relationships
- Larger social network is associated with better physical and psychological outcomes
