Chapter 2 - Theories of Development Flashcards
what are epigenetic factors?
factors other than changes in DNA that influence gene expression
what are protiens?
compounds consisting of amino acids that perform life functions and make up cellular structures
what is polygenic inheritance?
when many genes influence a single trait
what is multifactorial inheritance?
affected by genes and the environment (psychology focused)
what is mitochondrial inheritance?
when cells mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mothers egg
define epigenome
the sum total of all inherited and acquired modifications to the genome
what is nativism?
the view that humans possess unique genetic traits that are manifested in all members of the species (universal traits)
what is ethology?
emphasizes genetically determined survival behaviours presumed to have developed due to natural selection
what is behavioural genetics?
the role of heredity in individual differences, NOT commonalities
define sociobiology
the study of society using biologyd
define evolutionary psychology
the idea that genetically inherited cognitive/social characteristics have evolved through natural selection
define developmental evolutionary psychology
inherited cognitive/social characteristics that promote survival appear at different times in the lifespan
what is evolutionary prenatal programming?
the prenatal environment may provide cues to the fetus about what to expect after birth
what is the predictive adaptive response?
the prenate’s ability to use information about its current environment to adjust physiology in anticipation that it will match environmental conditions and optimize survival
(e.g. if mom is malnourished the baby will store more food and use less energy)
what is the difference between repression and denial?
repression: you don’t remember what happened
denial: you refuse to accept that it happened
did Erikson believe development was continuous or discontinuous?
continuous