Definitions Flashcards
Genome
An individuals complete set of hereditary information
DNA and proteins that regulate gene expression
Methylation
A biochemical process that influences behaviour by suppressing gene activity and expression
Sociocultural context
The physical, social, cultural, economic and historical circumstances that make up any child’s environment
Measures
Instruments researchers use to measure a variable related to the child development
Apoptosis
Cell death
Teratogens
Environmental agents that have the potential to cause harm during prenatal development
Epigenetics
Study of stable changes in the gene expression that are mediated by the environment
Behavioural genetics
Concerned with how variation in behaviour and development results from the combination of genetic and environmental factors
Synaptogenesis
Each neuron forms synapses with thousands of other neurons, resulting in formation of trillions of connections
Synaptic pruning
Extensive generation of neurons and synapses results in an over abundance that must be eliminated
Occurs at different times in different areas of the brain and is not fully completed until adolescence
Experience expectant vs experience dependant plasticity
Expectant - brain can’t function well if certain experiences don’t happen - such as newborns who don’t get cataracts removed
Dependent - neural connections created as a result of individual experiences
Socio genesis
Human minds originate within social processes
Guided participations
Older people engaging with youth in cultural activities
Social scaffolding
More knowledgeable if others explain, demonstrate, help with difficulties
Done in zone of proximate development
Can say alphabet - parents help string letters together to form sentences - can read a book
System
Many capacities are integrated in a system that interacts with one another
Embedded in a community and culture
