Chapter 7.1, 7.3, & 7.4 Flashcards
developmental psychology
the specialty that focuses on how organisms grow and change over time as a result of biological and environmental influences
nature-nurture issue
the long-standing discussion on the importance of nature (biological) and nurture (environmental) in their influence on behavior and mental processes
twin study
means of separating the effects of nature and nurture by which investigators my compare identical to fraternal twins or compare twins separated in early life and raised in different environments
adoption study
method of separating the effects of nature and nurture by which investigators compare characteristics of adopted children with those of individuals in their biological and adopted families
innate ability
the capability of an an infant that is inborn or biologically based
prenatal preiod
the developmental period before birth
zygote
a fertilized egg
embryo
in humans, the developing organizm during the first 8 weeks of conception
fetus
in humans, the developing organism from the embryonic state to birth
placenta
organ interface between the embryo/fetus and the mother; separates bloodstreams, but allows exchange of nutrients and waste products
teratogen
substances from the environments (viruses or other chemicals) that can damage the developing organism during the prenatal period (HIV, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
fetal alcohol syndrome
a set of physical and mental problems seen in children when their mothers drink excessively during pregnancy
neonatal period
in humans, period through the first month after birth
mimicry
imitation of other people’s behavior
synchronicity
the close coordination between the gazing, vocalizing, touching, and smiling of infants and their caregivers
innate reflex
reflexive response present at birth
infancy
in humans, usually from the neonatal period to about 18 months/2 years with the development of language
sensitive period
a span of time during which the organism is especially responsive to stimuli of a particular sort, like hormones and chemicals, or language and visual stimulation
synaptic pruning
the process of trimming unused brain connections, making neurons available for future development
maturation
the process by which the genetic program manifests over time
genetic leash
Edward Wilson’s term for the constraints placed on the development by heredity
contact comfort
stimulation and reassurance derived from the physical touch of the caregiver
attachment
the enduring socio-emotional relationship between a child and a parent or other regular caregiver
imprinting
a primitive form of learning in which young animals follow and form an attachment to the first moving object they see and hear
secure attachment
the attachment style of children who are relaxed and comfortable with their caregivers and tolerant of strangers and new experiences
separation anxiety
a common pattern of distress in young children when separated from their caregivers
anxious-ambivilent attachment
one of two primary response patterns seen in insecurely attached children in which a child wants contact with a caregiver, excess distress when separated, and difficult to console when reunited
avoidant attachment
one of two primary response patters seen in insecurely attached children in which a child shows no interest in the caregiver, nor distress when separated, nor happiness when reunited
psychosocial stage
Erikson’s theory - referring to eight major challenges that appear successively across the lifespan which require an individual to rethink their goals and their relationship to others
trust
the major developmental goal during the first 18 months of life, the child must choose between trusting and not trusting others
self-control
the ability to delay instant-gratification in pursuit of longer-range positive outcomes
executive function
cognitive abilities in the frontal lobes necessary for complex thinking, planning, and goal directed behavior
adolescence
a developmental period beginning at puberty and ending at adulthood
rite of passage
social ritual that marks transition between developmental stages
puberty
the onset of sexual maturity
menarch
the onset of menstruation
body image
an individual’s perception of and feelings about one’s physical appearance
sexual orientation
the direction of one’s sexual interest
formal operational stage
Piaget’s final stage, during which abstract thought appears
stage of moral reasoning
Lawrence Kohlberg’s distinctive way of thinking about moral problems
identity
the sense of who one is
revolution of aging
a change in the way people think about aging in modern industrialized nations with increased longevity, better health care, and more lifestyle choices
intimacy
Erikson’s theory - the main developmental tasks of early adulthood, involving the capacity to make full commitment to another person (sexual, emotional, moral)
emerging adulthood
a transition period between adolescent and adulthood
peer marriage
marriage in which couples see themselves as partners and friends, compared to husbands/wives
generativity
the process of making a commitment beyond oneself to others (being generous)
transition
a period of time in which an individual redefines or transforms a life role, goal, value, or lifestyle
ego-integrity
Erikson’s theory - the developmental process later in life that allows one to look back in life without regrets and to enjoy a sense of wholeness
Alzheimer’s Disease
degenerative brain disease that is first noticed by problematic failures of memory
selective social interaction
choosing to restrict the number of one’s social contacts to those who are most gratifying
