Chapter 5: Development Through the Lifespan

Question 1

3 Issues that have engaged developmental psychologists

Answer 1

1. Nature VS Nurture: How does our genetic inheritance (nature) interact with our environment (nurture)
2. Continuity and Stages: What parts of development are gradual, what parts are abrupt
3. Stability & Change: What traits persist through life, how do we change as we age?

Question 2

Germinal Period (Zygote)

Answer 2

A fertilized egg, conception to 2 weeks

Usually, people don’t know they’re pregnant at this stage

Question 3

Embryonic (Embryo)

Answer 3

What the zygote develops into, 2-8 weeks

Most systems begin to form at this time, the heart begins to beat

The growing baby is vulnerable in this stage and can be easily harmed.

Question 4

Fetal (Fetus)

Answer 4

9 weeks to birth

Question 5

Teratogens

Answer 5

Agents such as chemicals and viruses that can reach the embryo or fetus during development and cause harm

Ex. Drugs, Alcohol, Toxins in the environment

Question 6

Rubella

Answer 6

A maternal disease that can be passed down by a pregnant woman to their unborn child through the bloodstream.

AKA German Measles

Question 7

Rubella Effects on birth

Answer 7

• Damage to the auditory and visual system
• Damage to the brain
• Can result in stillbirth (because of brain damage)

Question 8

Toxoplasmosis

Answer 8

A maternal disease that can be passed by a pregnant woman to their unborn child
- exposure from eating undercooked meat
- cat feces
-gardening

Question 9

Toxoplasmosis Effects on birth

Answer 9

Can affect early stages of pregnancy
-Brain damage
-Liver damage
-baby can be prone to seizures

Question 10

Herpes

Answer 10

A maternal infection that can be passed by a pregnant woman to their unborn child: Sexually transmitted infection

Question 11

Herpes Effects on Birth

Answer 11

If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, they do a C-section so that the baby does not contract it.

• Brain damage

Question 12

DES (Diethylstilbestrol)

Answer 12

A drug that was marketed and prescribed to women to prevent miscarriages.

Question 13

Effects of DES on children

Answer 13

• Girls ages 12-13 whose mothers had been prescribed DES during their birth, were presented with cervical cancer.
  ——> Developed cervical problems such as infertility
• Men has also suffered penile cancer

Question 14

Asprin Effects on Birth

Answer 14

• Babies were born with heart defects if taken while the baby’s heart was still developing (early embryonic period)

Question 15

Caffeine Effects on Birth

Answer 15

-Animal work with caffeine showed teratogenic results
- Sleep issues
-Faster heart rate

Pregnant women are told to cut caffeine or to drink little when pregnant.

Question 16

Cocaine Effects on Birth

Answer 16

Multi-drug effects since people who use drugs are more likely to use others.

• Low birth weight
• Pre-born babies
• Damage to the digestive system
• Higher risk of cerebral hemorrhages

Question 17

FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

Answer 17

Babies are born with smaller heads and brains, problems with cognitive development ( learning, memory, short attention span, communication) and problems with vision and hearing.

Question 18

Cigarettes Effects on Birth

Answer 18

Pregnant women who smoke do not get enough oxygen to their lungs= baby does not get enough oxygen.

• Sudden infant death syndrome
  -Respiratory infections
• Cleft Pallets
• Smaller babies

Question 19

Habituation

Answer 19

Decreased responsiveness with repeated stimuli

Question 20

Jean Piaget

Answer 20

Developmental psychologist who studied children’s developing cognition (all mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering and communicating)

Question 21

Stranger Anxiety

Answer 21

The fear of strangers that infants commonly display, beginning around 8 months of age

Question 22

Attachment

Answer 22

An emotional tie with others, showing distress on separation

Question 23

Critical Period

Answer 23

An optimal period early in the life of an organism, that when exposed to certain stimuli or experiences, produces normal development

Question 24

Imprinting

Answer 24

When certain animals form strong attachments during early life.
Ex. Ducks