Chapter 1 Flashcards
This field focuses on the scientific study f the systematic processes of change and stability in people
Human development
Concept of human development as a lifelong process, which can be studied scientifically
Life-span development
What is human development?
The scientific study of processes of change and stability
Human development encompasses various aspects of growth throughout life.
What are the important applications of developmental research?
Various fields including psychology, education, and medicine
Developmental research informs practices in multiple disciplines.
What has become a field of study due to interest in development through adulthood?
Life-span development
This field focuses on changes and stability throughout an individual’s life.
What are the main goals of the study of human development?
Describe, explain, predict, and intervene in development
These goals guide research and practical applications in human development.
Which disciplines do students of human development draw upon?
Psychology, psychiatry, sociology, anthropology, biology, genetics, family science, education, history, philosophy, and medicine
This interdisciplinary approach enriches the understanding of human development.
How are methods of studying human development described?
Still evolving and making use of advanced technologies
The evolution of methods reflects the need for updated approaches in research.
True or False: Human development is only influenced by biological factors.
False
Human development is multiply influenced by both social and biological factors.
What does incorporating diversity into human development research benefit?
People, practices, and products
Diversity enhances the understanding and applicability of developmental research.
Fill in the blank: The study of human development seeks to _______ in development.
[intervene]
Intervention can occur when there are identifiable issues in development.
What do developmental scientists study?
Change and stability in all domains of development throughout the life span
Developmental scientists focus on how individuals grow and change over time.
What are the three major domains of development?
- Physical
- Cognitive
- Psychosocial
These domains are interconnected and influence each other.
What is the concept of periods of development?
A social construction
It refers to the classification of life stages based on characteristic developmental needs and tasks.
How many periods is the life span divided into in this book?
Eight periods
These periods include prenatal, infancy and toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, emerging and young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.
List the eight periods of life span development.
- Prenatal
- Infancy and toddlerhood
- Early childhood
- Middle childhood
- Adolescence
- Emerging and young adulthood
- Middle adulthood
- Late adulthood
Each period has distinct developmental needs and tasks.
True or False: Each period of development has the same developmental needs and tasks.
False
Each developmental period has characteristic needs and tasks specific to that stage.
What affects the three major domains of development?
Each domain affects the others
The interrelation between physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains is crucial for understanding development.
What are the two main influences on development?
Heredity and environment
These influences shape various aspects of an individual’s growth and development.
What typical changes during childhood are related to?
Maturation
Maturation refers to the process of development that is biologically driven.
What tends to happen to individual differences as age increases?
They tend to increase
This suggests that as people grow older, their unique characteristics become more pronounced.
What type of family structure predominates in some societies?
Nuclear family
A nuclear family consists of two parents and their children.
What type of family structure is common in other societies?
Extended family
An extended family includes additional relatives beyond the nuclear family.
How does socioeconomic status (SES) affect developmental processes?
Through the quality of home and neighborhood environments, nutrition, medical care, and schooling
SES influences access to resources that are crucial for development.
What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on existing disparities in development?
It exacerbated existing disparities
The pandemic highlighted and intensified inequalities in various sectors.
What are some important environmental influences on development?
Culture, race/ethnicity, and historical context
These factors contribute significantly to an individual’s developmental trajectory.
How do most scholars view race?
As a social construction
This perspective emphasizes that race is defined by societal norms rather than biological differences.
What types of influences can developmental influences be categorized into?
Normative (age-graded or history-graded) or nonnormative
Normative influences are common experiences, while nonnormative influences are unique to individuals.
What evidence exists regarding early development?
Critical or sensitive periods
These periods indicate times when specific experiences have a significant impact on development.
What is the first principle of the life-span developmental approach?
Development is lifelong
This principle emphasizes that development continues throughout the entire human life span.
What does the second principle of the life-span developmental approach state?
Development is multidimensional
This principle indicates that development encompasses various dimensions, including physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects.
What is the third principle of the life-span developmental approach?
Development is multidirectional
This principle suggests that development can progress in multiple directions and is not linear.
How do the influences of biology and culture change according to the life-span developmental approach?
The relative influences of biology and culture shift over the life span
This principle highlights that different stages of life may emphasize biological or cultural influences differently.
What does the fifth principle of the life-span developmental approach involve?
Development involves changing resource allocations
This principle refers to how individuals allocate time, energy, and resources differently at various stages of life.
What is indicated by the principle of plasticity in the life-span developmental approach?
Development shows plasticity
This means that individuals can adapt and change throughout their lives, allowing for growth and development in response to experiences.
What does the last principle of the life-span developmental approach state about development?
Development is influenced by the historical and cultural context
This principle indicates that the time period and cultural environment in which a person lives significantly affect their development.
Define the term ‘Critical period’
A specific time frame during development when the organism is particularly sensitive to certain environmental stimuli.
Examples include language acquisition in children and the development of vision in infants.
What are internal influences on development?
Factors that originate from within the individual, such as genetics, biological processes, and personal experiences.
Examples include inherited traits and hormonal changes.
What are external influences on development?
Factors that come from outside the individual, including social, cultural, and environmental conditions.
Examples include family dynamics, education, and socioeconomic status.
