Chapter 1: Introduction Flashcards
Science of Human Development
Seeking to understand how and why people change over time.
- Goal of this is to help people fulfill their potential.
Need for Science
- 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.
Scientific Method
Way to answer questions using research and data-based conclusions.
Five Steps of Scientific Method
- Begin with curiosity; based off THEORY.
- Develop the hypothesis; based off HYPOTHESIS.
- Test the hypothesis; conduct research for EMPIRICAL evidence.
- Analyze data and draw conclusions.
- Report the results; share all data.
Theory
A comprehensive set of ideas.
Hypothesis
Specific prediction that can be tested.
Empirical
Based on observation, experience, or experiment; not theoretical.
Replication
Repeating a study, usually using different participants.
Nature
Traits, capacities, and limitations each individual inherits from parents at conception.
Nurture
Environmental influences after conception to an individual.
Differential Susceptibility
People vary in how sensitive they are to experiences. Often genetic in which affects people for better or worse.
Difference-Equals-Deficit Error
Mistaken belief a deviation from a norm is inferior to behavior.
Social Construction
Cultures, ethnic groups, and race which are created by society.
Culture
System of shared beliefs, norms, and behaviors that prescribe social behavior.
Race
Physical or outward appearance of a person.
Ethnic Group
People whose ancestors were born in the same region and who share a language, culture, and religion.
Socioeconomic Status
Person’s position in society based upon income, education, and occupation. Also known as Social Class.
Critical Period
Time when a particular type of developmental growth must happen for normal development to occur.
Sensitive Period
Time when a certain development is most likely. When a child learns a language.
Ecological-Systems Approach
Perspective of human development having all influences on understanding humans.
Cohort
People born in the same historical age. They experience the same events, new technologies, and cultural shifts together.
Plasticity
Abilities, personality, and other human characteristics can change over time.
Dynamic-Systems Approach
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.
Scientific Observation
Method of testing a hypothesis by watching and recording a child’s behavior. Usually occurs in a natural setting or laboratory.
Experiment
Method to determine cause and effect. Researchers control the experiment, so it makes it easier to understand what causes things.
Independent Variable
The imposed treatment or special condition to see if it affects the dependent variable.
Dependent Variable
May change due to any new condition the experiment adds. Depends on the independent variable.
Survey
Method in which information is collected from a large number of people by interviews or questionnaires.
Case Study
In-depth study of a person, usually through personal interviews, discussions, and tests for background information.
Cross-Sectional Research
Compares groups of people who differ in age but are similar in other important characteristics.
Longitudinal Research
Individuals are followed over time, as their development is repeatedly assessed.
Cross-Sequential Research
Researchers first study different groups of people at different ages, then are followed over the years. This research takes a long time to conduct.
Correlation
Exists between two variables if one variable is more or less likely to occur when the other does. Positive, negative, or zero effect.
Code of Ethics
Moral principles or guidelines that members of a profession or group are expected to follow.
Mirror Neurons
Watching someone perform an action activates brain cells not only in the person doing the action, but the observer too.
Gender Differences
Guard against this. Males and females are more alike than different. Their difference= deficit error
Dynamic Systems
Human development is ongoing and changing interaction:
- The body and the mind
- The individual and their environment
- The individual and other individuals
Ecological Model
- Brought by Brofenbrenner
- Each person affected by social interactions
- Three levels surround individuals
Three Levels of Ecological Model
Microsystem, Exosystem, and Macrosystem.
Chronosystem
Cultural influences are determined by place and time.
Quantitative Research
Data that is numerical, and is best to compare children in different culture. Easier to replicate and interpret.
Qualitative Research
Best captures people’s lives. Allows much more detailed reporting.
Ethics
Research must be conducted that does not violate individual rights.
