Chapter 1

Question 0

A way to answer questions using empirical research and data-based conclusions.

Answer 0

Scientific method

Question 1

The science that seeks to understand how and why people of all ages and circumstances change or remain the same over time.

Answer 1

Science of human development

Question 2

A comprehensive set of ideas.

Answer 2

Theory

Question 3

A specific prediction that can be tested.

Answer 3

Hypothesis

Question 4

Based on observation, experience, or experiment; not theoretical.

Answer 4

Empirical

Question 5

Repeating a study, usually using different participants, perhaps of another age, SES, or culture.

Answer 5

Replication

Question 6

A situation in which a seemingly healthy infant, usually between 2 and 6 months, suddenly stops breathing and does unexpectedly while asleep.

Answer 6

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Question 7

In development, nature refers to the traits, capacities, and limitations that each individual inherits genetically from his or her parents at the moment of conception.

Answer 7

Nature

Question 8

In development, nurture includes all the environmental influences that affect the individual after conception.

Answer 8

Nurture

Question 9

A time when a particular type if developmental growth (in body or behavior) must happen for normal development to occur.

Answer 9

Critical period

Question 10

A time when a certain type of development is most likely, although it may still happen later with more difficulty.

Answer 10

Sensitive period

Question 11

The idea that abilities, personality, and other human characteristics can change over time.

Answer 11

Plasticity

Question 12

The mistaken belief that a deviation from some norm is necessarily inferior to behavior or characteristics that meet the standard.

Answer 12

Difference-equals-deficit disorder

Question 13

An idea that is built on shared perceptions, not on objective reality.

Answer 13

Social construction

Question 14

A system of shared beliefs, norms, behaviors, and expectations that persist over time and prescribe social behavior and assumptions.

Answer 14

Culture

Question 15

People whose ancestors were born in the same region and who often share a language, culture, and religion.

Answer 15

Ethnic group

Question 16

A group of people who are regarded by themselves or by others as distinct from other groups on the basis of physical appearance, typically in skin color.

Answer 16

Race

Question 17

A person’s position in society as determined by income, occupation, education, and place of residence.

Answer 17

Socioeconomic status (SES)

Question 18

A view of human development as an ongoing, ever-changing interaction between the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial influences.

Answer 18

Dynamic systems

Question 19

A perspective on human development that considers all the influences from the various contexts of development

Answer 19

Ecological-systems approach

Question 20

People born within the same historical period who therefore move through life together, experiencing the same events, new technologies, and cultural shifts at the same ages.

Answer 20

Cohort

Question 21

A term emphasizing the interaction of the three developmental domains (biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial).

Answer 21

Biopsychospcial

Question 22

Cells in an observer’s brain that are activated by watching an action performed by someone else as they would be if the observer had personally performed that action.

Answer 22

Mirror neurons

Question 23

A method of testing a hypothesis by unobtrusively watching and recording participants’ behavior in a systematic and objective manner.

Answer 23

Scientific observation

Question 24

In an experiment, the variable that is introduced to see what effect it has on the dependent variable.

Answer 24

Independent variable

Question 25

In an experiment, the variable that may change as a result of whatever new condition or situation the experimenter adds.

Answer 25

Dependent variable

Question 26

A research method in which information is collected from a large number of people by interviews, written questionnaires, or some other means.

Answer 26

Survey

Question 27

A research design that compares groups of people who differ in age but are similar in other important characteristics.

Answer 27

Cross-sectional research

Question 28

A research design in which the same individuals are followed over time, as their development is repeatedly assessed.

Answer 28

Longitudinal research

Question 29

A research design in which researchers first study several groups of people of different ages and then follow those groups over the years.

Answer 29

Cohort-sequential research

Question 30

A number between +1 and -1 that indicates the degree of relationship between two variables, in terms of the likelihood that one variable does/doesn’t occur when the other variable does/doesn’t.

Answer 30

Correlation

Question 31

Research that provides data that can be expressed with numbers, such as ranks or scales.

Answer 31

Quantitative research

Question 32

Research that considers qualities, not quantities.

Answer 32

Qualitative research

Question 33

A set of moral principles or guidelines that members of a profession or group are expected to follow.

Answer 33

Code of ethics

Question 34

A group within most educational and medical institutions who ensure that research follows established ethical guidelines.

Answer 34

Institutional review board (IRB)