Chapter 1 -- Themes and Theories

Question 1

Developmental Psychology

Answer 1

Systematic and scientific study of changes in human behaviors or mental activities over time

Question 2

Developmental Science

Answer 2

The interdisciplinary field of research and theories concerned with studies and explanations of human development.

Question 3

Social Policy

Answer 3

Programs and plans established by local, regional, or national public and private organizations and agencies designed to achieve a particular social purpose or goal

Question 3

Nature-Nurture Debate

Answer 3

The theoretical controversy over whether development is the result of the child’s genetic endowment or environmental issues

Question 4

Empiricism

Answer 4

Theory that environmental experiences shape the individual; more specifically, that all knowledge is derived from sensory experiences

Question 5

Behaviorism

Answer 5

Learning theory perspective that explains the development of behavior according to the principles of classical and operant conditioning

Question 5

Social Learning Theory

Answer 5

Theoretical approach emphasizing the importance of learning through observation and imitation of behaviors modeled by others

Question 6

Observational Learning

Answer 6

Learning that takes place by simply observing another person’s behavior

Question 6

Cognitive-Development Theory

Answer 6

Theoretical orientation, most frequently associated with Piaget, emphasizing the active construction of psychological structures to interpret experience

Question 6

Information Processing

Answer 6

Theoretical approach that views humans as having a limited ability to process information, much like computers

Question 7

Psychosocial Theory of Development

Answer 7

Erikson’s theory that personality develops through eight stages of adaptive functioning to meet the demands framed by society.

Question 8

Identity

Answer 8

In Erikson’s Theory, the acceptance of both self and society, a concept that must be achieved at every stage but is especially important during adolescence

Question 9

Systems Views

Answer 9

Theories of development that are concerned with the effects of a broad range of biological, physical, and sociocultural settings on the process of development

Question 10

Bioecological Model

Answer 10

Bronfenbrenner’s theory that development is influenced by experiences arising from broader biological, social, and cultural systems as well as a child’s immediate surroundings

Question 11

Microsystems

Answer 11

In Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the immediate environment provided in such settings as the home, school, workplace,and neighborhood.

Question 12

Mesosystem

Answer 12

In Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the environment provided by the interrelationships among the various settings of the Microsystems

Question 13

Exosystem

Answer 13

In Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, environmental settings that indirectly affect the child by influencing the various Microsystems forming the child’s immediate environment

Question 14

Macrosystem

Answer 14

In Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, major historical events and broad values, practices, and customs shared by a culture.

Question 15

Chronosystem

Answer 15

In Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the constantly changing temporal component of the environment that can influence development.

Question 16

Sociocultural Theory

Answer 16

Vygotsky’s developmental theory emphasizing the importance of cultural tools, symbols, and ways of thinking that the child acquires from more knowledgeable members of the community

Question 17

Dynamic Systems Theory

Answer 17

Theoretical orientation that explains development as the emerging organization arising from the interaction of many different processes

Question 18

Ethology

Answer 18

Theoretical orientation and discipline concerned with the evolutionary origins of behavior and its adaptive and survival values in animals, including humans

Question 19

Sensitive Period

Answer 19

Brief period during which specific kinds of experiences have significant positive or negative consequences for development and behavior; also called the critical period