Chapter 8.1-8.3 Flashcards
Human Development
the scientific study of the changes that occur in people as they age from conception to death
Types of age-related research (3)
1) Longitudinal Design: one person or group of persons is followed and assessed at different times in their life
2) Cross-sectional Design: several age groups are studied at once
3) Cross-sequential Design: a combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional
Longitudinal Pros and Cons
+) able to observe the same subject as they develop
- ) costly in time, money, and effort
- ) subjects could lose interest, move, or die
Cross-sectional Pros and Cons
+) quick and easier to accomplish than Longitudinal
-) individuals are being compared to one another and are more subject to confounding/extraneous variables
Cohort Effect
the impact on development of people from a similar age group sharing common education or experiences
Nature
influence of our inherited characteristics on our personality, physical growth, intellectual growth, and social interactions
Nurture
influence of the environment on our personality, physical growth, intellectual growth, and social interactions
parenting styles, physical surroundings, economic status…
Nature vs. Nurture
Research shows it’s largely due to the complex interactions of both
Behavioral Genetics
research inheritance vs. experience, often done through fraternal and identical twin research
Genetics
the scientific study of heredity
DNA
special molecule that contains an organism’s genetic material (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Gene
section of DNA that contains a certain sequence of amines
Chromosomes
tightly wound rod-like strands of DNA/genetic materials. Most heritable characteristics are determined by the first 22 pairs, the 23rd controls sex (46 total)
Dominant
gene that controls trait expression
Recessive
gene that only influences expression when paired with an identical gene
Polygenetic Inheritance
traits are usually influenced by the expression of multiple genes
Dominant Gene Disorders (def and 2 examples)
only parent has to pass the gene down to offspring
Huntington’s Disease (neuron breakdown), Marfan’s Syndrome (connective tissue disorder)
Recessive Gene Disorders (def and 4 examples)
child inherits a recessive gene from both parents
Cystic Fibrosis (affects respiratory and digestive tracts), Sickle-cell anemia (blood disorder), Tay-Sachs Disorder (fatal neurological disorder), and Phenylketonuria (infant disease that can lead to brain damage)
Chromosome Disorders (def and example)
chromosomes can end up in the wrong cell, leading some to cells to only have 22 and some to have 24
Down syndrome means there is an extra chromosome at the 21st pair
