Chapter 1 Flashcards
Epigenetics
Explores how environmental forces alter genetic expression
Differential Susceptibility
How sensitivity to any particular environmental experience differs from one person to another because of particular needs
Life Span Perspective
Takes into account all phases of life, not just the first 2 decades
Critical Period
Time when something much occur for the normal development
Sensitive Period
A particular time when something develops easily- not exclusively
Socioeconomic Status
Reflects income, occupation, education and neighborhood
Social construction
A concept constructed or made by society
Dynamic-systems approach
Framework many contemporary developmentalists use
Operant conditioning
Animals perform some actions and then a response occurs. If it is pleasurable, the animal is likely to repeat the action
Cognitive theory
Each persons ideas and beliefs are crucial
Cross sectional research
Groups of people of one age are compared to another group of another age
Longitudinal research
Collecting data repeatedly on the same individuals as they age
Cross sequential research
Researchers study several groups of people of different ages, follow them over the years and them combine results.
Let’s scientists disentangle age from history
Quantitive research
Research data can be categorized, ranked, or numbered. Can be easily translated across cultures and for diverse populations
Qualitative research
Asking open ended questions, reporting answers in numerical form
