Exam 1 Flashcards
A rapid increase in physical growth and development occurring during puberty
Adolescent growth spurt
The maturation of the adrenal glands, contributing to the development of secondary sexual characteristics
Adrenarche
Male sex hormones, such as testosterone, responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics
Androgens
An eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss due to self-imposed starvation
Anorexia Nervosa
The rate at which the body expends energy while at rest
Basal metabolism rate
An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort
Binge eating disorder
A measure of body fat based on height and weight
Body mass index (BMI)
An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise
Bulimia
A hormone associated with stress response and regulation of metabolism
Cortisol
A research method comparing different groups at the same point in time to understand age-related differences
Cross-sectional study
The tendency for adolescents to feel more energetic in the evening, leading to delayed sleep patterns
Delayed phase preference
Unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors that may not meet the criteria for clinical eating disorders
Disordered eating
The system of glands that produce and release hormones regulating various bodily functions
Endocrine system
The closing of the ends of long bones, completing the growth process
Epiphysis
Female sex hormones responsible for the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics
Estrogens
A regulatory mechanism in the endocrine system where hormone levels signal the release or inhibition of further hormone production
Feedback loop
Organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream
Glands
Neurons that play a key role in the initiation of puberty by signaling the release of gonadotropins
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various physiological processes in the body
Hormones
A region in the brain that regulates hormonal activities through the release of neurotransmitters
Hypothalamus
A brain chemical that stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, initiating puberty
Kisspeptin
A hormone influencing hunger and metabolism, signaling the brain about the body’s fat stores
Leptin
A research method tracking the same individuals over an extended period to observe changes over time
Longitudinal study
A hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, influenced by exposure to light and darkness
Melatonin
The first occurrence of menstruation in females
Menarche
Female reproductive organs producing eggs and hormones
Ovaries
Chemical substances released by an individual to influence the behavior or physiology of others
Pheromones
A gland that produces and releases hormones, influencing other endocrine glands
Pituitary gland
The adaptability of the brain to change in response to experiences
Plasticity
Physical features that distinguish males and females but are not directly involved in reproduction
Secondary sex characteristics
The historical trend of earlier onset of puberty over the generations
Secular trend
The body’s natural tendency to maintain a stable internal environment
Set point
A scale measuring the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty
Tanner stages
Male reproductive organs producing sperm and hormones
Testes
The transitional stage of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood
Adolescent
The adaptability or malleability of the adult brain to change in response to experiences and learning
Adult plasticity
Memory related to personally experienced events and information
Autobiographical memory
A theoretical perspective that analyzes decision-making processes, including the identification of alternatives, consequences evaluation, and the assessment of likelihood
Behavioral decision therapy
The operation and activities of the brain, including sensory processing, memory, and cognitive functions
Brain function
The physical arrangement and organization of different regions in the brain
Brain structure
A perspective that emphasizes qualitative changes in cognitive abilities during development
Cognitive-developmental view
Piaget’s stage of cognitive development where children can think logically about concrete events but have difficulty understanding abstract or hypothetical concepts
Concrete operations
The adaptability or flexibility of the developing brain to experiences and environmental influences
Developmental plasticity
An imaging technique that measures the diffusion of water molecules in the brain, providing information about the white matter tracts
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
The ability to focus on multiple stimuli or tasks simultaneously
Divided attention
A neurotransmitter associated with reward reward and pleasure, influencing motivation and reinforcement
Dopamine
Cognitive processes involved in goal-directed behavior, including planning, working memory, and response inhibition
Executive function
Piaget’s stage of cognitive development characterized by abstract and systematic thinking
Formal operations
The coordinated activity and communication between different brain regions
Functional connectivity
And imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
An aspect of adolescent egocentrism where individuals believe that others are constantly observing and judging them
Imaginary audience
A theoretical framework that examines how individuals acquire, store, and use information (IPP)
Information processing perspective
A group of brain structures involved in emotions, motivation, and memory
Limbic system
The storage of information for an extended period
Long-term memory
The ability to understand and attribute mental states to oneself and others
Mentalizing
Thinking about one’s own thinking processes and strategies
Metacognition
The process of forming a myelin sheath around nerve fibers, enhancing signal transmission in the brain
Myelination
Cells in the nervous system responsible for transmitting information
Neurons
Chemical substances that transmit signals between neurons
Neurotransmitters
A belief in adolescence that one’s experiences and feelings are unique and not experienced by others
Personal fable
The adaptability and flexibility of the brain to change in response to experiences
Plasticity
Engaging in activities that offer potential benefits and personal growth
Positive risk-taking
The front part of the brain responsible for executive functions, decision-making, and social behavior
Prefrontal cortex
Piaget’s stage of cognitive development characterized by egocentrism and lack of logical thinking
Preoperational period
The tendency for individuals to recall more memories from adolescence and early adulthood
Reminiscence bump
The ability to suppress inappropriate or impulsive responses
Response inhibition
Support provided by others to facilitate learning and problem solving
Scaffolding
Focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others
Selective attention
The desire for novel and stimulating experiences
Sensation seeking
Piaget’s stage of cognitive development focused on sensory experiences and motor skills
Sensorimotor period
A neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and emotional well-being
Serotonin
Cognitive processes related to understanding social interactions, relationships, and institutions
Social cognition
Norms and rules governing social behavior
Social conventions
The junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted
Synapse
The elimination of unnecessary synapses, refining neural connections
Synaptic pruning
The ability to understand that others have different beliefs, intentions, and knowledge
Theory of mind
The temporary storage and manipulation of information needed for cognitive tasks
Working memory
Vygotsky’s concept referring to the difference between what a learner can do independently and with guidance
Zone of proximal development
The legal age at which individuals are recognized as adults and gain certain rights and responsibilities
Age of majority
A significant increase in the birth rate, often referring to the post-World War 2 period when there was a substantial increase in birth rates
Baby boom
A jewish initiation ceremony marking the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls, symbolizing the assumption of religious responsibilities
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Advocates for protecting children from labor exploitation and hazardous working conditions, leading to the removal of adolescents from the labor force and increased emphasis on formal education
Child protectionists
A group of individuals sharing a common characteristic or experience, often born in the same time period
Cohort
The extent to which neighbors trust one another, share common values, and rely on each other to monitor youth activities
Collective efficacy
Gradual and ongoing changes in status or roles, typical in more traditional societies where adolescents assume adult roles bit by bit
Continuous transitions
The legal system responsible for maintaining social order and handling criminal offenses
Criminal justice system
Abrupt changes in status or roles, characteristic of contemporary societies where adolescents are thrust into adulthood suddenly with little prior preparation
Discontinuous transitions
A ritual or ceremony marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood, often involving symbolic or real separation from parents
Initiation ceremony
Theorists who argue that adolescence is more of a social invention than a biological or cognitive phenomenon, emphasizing societal definitions and treatment
Inventionists
A legal system designed to handle adolescents involved in criminal offenses, separate from the adult criminal justice system
Juvenile justice system
A traditional Latin American celebration marking a girl’s 15th birthday, symbolizing her transition to womanhood
Quinceanera
The intentional creation of scars on the body, often practiced in some initiation ceremonies to signify the transition to adulthood
Scarification
The process of changing an individual’s social roles and status, particularly during adolescence
Social redefinition
Behaviors considered offenses only because of an individual’s status as a minor, such as curfew violations or truancy
Status offense
Sexual activity between an adult and minor, where the minor is considered unable to provide legal consent
Statutory rape
An individual’s perception of their social standing or rank compared to others
Subjective social status
A person between the ages of 13 and 19, experiencing adolescence
Teenager
Generally referring to individuals between the ages of 12 and 24, though the term may vary in usage
Youth
