Development Flashcards
What is the current developmental psychology perspective on the relationship between nature and nurture (genes and environment)?
Both nature and nurture interact to produce specific developmental patterns and outcomes.
Cross-sectional
Cross-sectional research compares people of different ages at the same point in time
- It provides information about differences in development between different age groups.
Longitudinal
Longitudinal research traces behaviour of one or more of the participants as the participants age.
- It assesses change in behaviour over time.
Sequential
Sequential research combines both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches by taking a number of different age groups and examining them at several different points in time.
Stages of prenatal development
- Germinal
- Embryonic
- Fetal
Germinal stage
The first two weeks as the zygote develops.
Embryonic period
Follows the germinal stage, which lasts from week 2 to week 8. The zygote is now called an embryo.
At this point, they have developed a beating heart, brain, intestinal tract, and a number of other organs.
Fetal period
At the beginning of this stage, the fetus begins to respond to touch.
At weeks 16 to 18, fetal movements become strong enough for the mother to sense them.
Hair may begin to grow on the fetus’ head and facial features become similar to the ones that will be displayed at birth.
Critical periods of prenatal development
A sensitive (or critical) period is the time when organisms are particularly susceptible to certain kinds of stimuli.
- The entire embryonic period is considered a critical period because during this time all the major organs and physical structures are forming.
- The brain is also very sensitive during the fetal period.
Teratogens
Teratogens are environmental agents such as a drug, chemical, virus, or other factor that can produce a birth defect.
Common Teratogens?
Mothers illness
- Can be passed onto the baby
Mothers use of drugs
Alcohol use
- Causes FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
FASD is an umbrella term used to describe the effects that can occur in an individual who was exposed to alcohol during the prenatal period.
- It cannot be cured
Inadequate diet
Inadequate diet can result in reduction in growth of brain, smaller that average birth weight and length at birth
Age of viability
The age of viability is when the fetus reaches 22 weeks, and can be kept alive outside of the mother, though born prematurely.
Reflexes
Reflexes are unlearned, involuntary responses that occur automatically in the presence of certain stimuli.
Rooting reflex
The rooting reflex causes a neonate to turn their head towards things that touch their cheeks.
Reflexes in neonates/newborns.
- Rooting reflex
- Sucking reflex
- Startle reflex
- Gag reflex
- Babinski reflex
Sucking reflex
The sucking reflex prompts infants to suck at things that touch their lips.
Startle reflex
The startle reflex is a series of movements in which an infant flings out their arms, fans their fingers, and arches their back in response to a sudden sound.
Gag reflex
The gag reflex is to help clear the infant’s throat
Babinski reflex
The Babinski reflex is when a baby’s toes fan out when the outer edge of the sole of the foot is stroked.