Chapter 1: Introduction

Question 1

Science of Human Development

Answer 1

Seeking to understand how and why people change over time.

• Goal of this is to help people fulfill their potential.

Question 2

Need for Science

Answer 2

• Developmental study is a science.
• Human development goes into many classes of science.
• Science is very useful when studying children; lives depend on it.
• There are always disagreements from people in child psychology.

Question 3

Scientific Method

Answer 3

Way to answer questions using research and data-based conclusions.

Question 4

Five Steps of Scientific Method

Answer 4

1. Begin with curiosity; based off THEORY.
2. Develop the hypothesis; based off HYPOTHESIS.
3. Test the hypothesis; conduct research for EMPIRICAL evidence.
4. Analyze data and draw conclusions.
5. Report the results; share all data.

Question 5

Theory

Answer 5

A comprehensive set of ideas.

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

Specific prediction that can be tested.

Question 7

Empirical

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Replication

Answer 8

Repeating a study, usually using different participants.

Question 9

Nature

Answer 9

Traits, capacities, and limitations each individual inherits from parents at conception.

Question 10

Nurture

Answer 10

Environmental influences after conception to an individual.

Question 11

Differential Susceptibility

Answer 11

People vary in how sensitive they are to experiences. Often genetic in which affects people for better or worse.

Question 12

Difference-Equals-Deficit Error

Answer 12

Mistaken belief a deviation from a norm is inferior to behavior.

Question 13

Social Construction

Answer 13

Cultures, ethnic groups, and race which are created by society.

Question 14

Culture

Answer 14

System of shared beliefs, norms, and behaviors that prescribe social behavior.

Question 15

Race

Answer 15

Physical or outward appearance of a person.

Question 16

Ethnic Group

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Socioeconomic Status

Answer 17

Person’s position in society based upon income, education, and occupation. Also known as Social Class.

Question 18

Critical Period

Answer 18

Time when a particular type of developmental growth must happen for normal development to occur.

Question 19

Sensitive Period

Answer 19

Time when a certain development is most likely. When a child learns a language.

Question 20

Ecological-Systems Approach

Answer 20

Perspective of human development having all influences on understanding humans.

Question 21

Cohort

Answer 21

People born in the same historical age. They experience the same events, new technologies, and cultural shifts together.

Question 22

Plasticity

Answer 22

Abilities, personality, and other human characteristics can change over time.

Question 23

Dynamic-Systems Approach

Answer 23

View of human development as an ongoing, ever changing interaction between the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial influences. Development of one, may affect another’s development.

Question 24

Scientific Observation

Answer 24

Method of testing a hypothesis by watching and recording a child’s behavior. Usually occurs in a natural setting or laboratory.

Question 25

Experiment

Answer 25

Method to determine cause and effect. Researchers control the experiment, so it makes it easier to understand what causes things.

Question 26

Independent Variable

Answer 26

The imposed treatment or special condition to see if it affects the dependent variable.

Question 27

Dependent Variable

Answer 27

May change due to any new condition the experiment adds. Depends on the independent variable.

Question 28

Survey

Answer 28

Method in which information is collected from a large number of people by interviews or questionnaires.

Question 29

Case Study

Answer 29

In-depth study of a person, usually through personal interviews, discussions, and tests for background information.

Question 30

Cross-Sectional Research

Answer 30

Compares groups of people who differ in age but are similar in other important characteristics.

Question 31

Longitudinal Research

Answer 31

Individuals are followed over time, as their development is repeatedly assessed.

Question 31

Cross-Sequential Research

Answer 31

Researchers first study different groups of people at different ages, then are followed over the years. This research takes a long time to conduct.

Question 32

Correlation

Answer 32

Exists between two variables if one variable is more or less likely to occur when the other does. Positive, negative, or zero effect.

Question 33

Code of Ethics

Answer 33

Moral principles or guidelines that members of a profession or group are expected to follow.

Question 34

Mirror Neurons

Answer 34

Watching someone perform an action activates brain cells not only in the person doing the action, but the observer too.

Question 35

Gender Differences

Answer 35

Guard against this. Males and females are more alike than different. Their difference= deficit error

Question 36

Dynamic Systems

Answer 36

Human development is ongoing and changing interaction:

• The body and the mind
• The individual and their environment
• The individual and other individuals

Question 37

Ecological Model

Answer 37

• Brought by Brofenbrenner
• Each person affected by social interactions
• Three levels surround individuals

Question 38

Three Levels of Ecological Model

Answer 38

Microsystem, Exosystem, and Macrosystem.

Question 39

Chronosystem

Answer 39

Cultural influences are determined by place and time.

Question 40

Quantitative Research

Answer 40

Data that is numerical, and is best to compare children in different culture. Easier to replicate and interpret.

Question 41

Qualitative Research

Answer 41

Best captures people’s lives. Allows much more detailed reporting.

Question 42

Ethics

Answer 42

Research must be conducted that does not violate individual rights.