Development Flashcards
nature vs. nurture
debate about relative contribution of biological processes and experiential
factors of development.
nature
biological characteristics we are born with; innate abilities; reflexes; pre- programmed responses that are presented at birth and are adaptive; innate predisposition to learn.
nurture and two early theorists who believed in this concept
influence begins from conception; unborn child can be highly susceptible to environmental factors.
-J. Locke: Tabula Rosa (i.e., “clean slate”).
-J. Watson: mold any child into what he wanted (behaviorism, Little Albert).
genotype
actual genetic material of the person; may not always be observable.
phenotype
the way a genotype is expressed through observable characteristics, such as
physical attributes and psychological characteristics (e.g., intelligence); identified through direct observation.
gene environment correlations
occurs when an individual selects environments based on genetically influenced traits (not the same as gene-environment interactions, which is when environment alters gene expression).
passive gene environment correlation
parent has the same genes, parent select’s child’s environment (i.e., parents create a home environment influenced by heritable characteristics).
evocative (Reactive) gene environment correlation
individual has genetic trait, expression of trait acts on environment to reinforce itself.
active gene environment correlation
individual has genetic trait, individual seeks out environments to express that trait.
autosomal disorders
caused by genes located on the autosomes (i.e., chromosomes other than sex chromosomes).
huntingtons disease
dominant disorder; causes brain to deteriorate and affects psychological and motor functions; not usually diagnosed until adulthood.
cystic fibrosis
recessive disorder: glandular problem that causes excessive mucus production, which affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines.
sickle cell disease
recessive disorder; causes blood cell deformities, resulting in the blood being unable to carry enough oxygen to keep tissue healthy.
tay sachs disease
recessive disorder common in couples of Jewish and Eastern European heritage; nervous system degenerates and likely to be cognitively impaired and blind by 1-2 years old; few survive past 3 years old.
phenylketonuria (PKU)
recessive gene causes a baby to have problems digesting the amino acid phenylalanine; toxins build up in the baby’s brain and cause cognitive disability; if no foods (e.g., milk) containing the amino acid are ingested, they will not be impaired; early diagnosis critical.
sex linked disorders
caused by genes located on the sex chromosomes (X chromosome); most often linked with recessive genes.
red green color blindness
problems distinguishing between red and green when they are adjacent.
hemophilia
lack the chemical components that cause blood to clot; bleeding doesn’t stop naturally; almost unknown in girls.
fragile x syndrome
X chromosome has a damaged spot; can cause cognitive impairment that becomes progressively worse as the child becomes older.
aneuploidy disorders
variation in number of chromosomes.
down syndrome
trisomy 21; three copies of chromosome 21; cognitive impairment and distinctive facial features, smaller brains, and other physical abnormalities; increased chance of passing on this disorder for mothers 35+.
klinefelter syndrome
sex chromosome abnormality; commonly XXY pattern; affected males usually appear normal but have underdeveloped testes and low sperm production; many have language and learning disabilities; at puberty, experience male and female changes.
turner syndrome
single X chromosome; anatomically female but show stunted growth and are often sterile; without hormone therapy, they do not menstruate or develop breasts at puberty; ¼ have serious heart defects; imbalanced cognitive abilities (poor spatial ability but high verbal ability).
gestation (prenatal development) and the three stages
process that transfers a zygote (single cell created when sperm and ovum unite) into a newborn; 38-40 weeks total; 23 weeks is the least amount for baby to survive, but you are essentially ready at 37 weeks; there are 3 phases of gestation:
1) germinal stage
2) embryonic stage
3) fetal stage