Exam 1: Ch. 1 - 3 Flashcards
Define Nature
Genetic inheritance that influences development (e.g., eye color, intelligence).
Define Nurture
Environmental influences such as parenting, culture, and education.
Define Polygenic Inheritance
Traits influenced by multiple genes (e.g., height, intelligence).
What is the function of the placenta?
Transfers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste.
Define Recessive Inheritance
A trait that is only expressed if two copies of the gene are inherited.
Define Lifespan Development
The study of changes that occur throughout a person’s life, from birth to old age.
What are the three domains of development?
Physical (body and brain changes), Cognitive (thinking, language, problem-solving), Psychosocial (emotions, relationships, personality).
What are teratogens?
Environmental agents that cause birth defects or developmental issues, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription drugs.
Define Fetal Stage
The third stage of prenatal development (9 weeks-birth) where growth and brain development continue.
Define Growth
Physical changes such as height, weight, and motor skills.
Define Umbilical Cord
The structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, supplying nutrients and oxygen.
Define Teratogens
Environmental agents (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, drugs) that cause birth defects or developmental problems.
Define Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
A condition caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leading to cognitive delays and facial abnormalities.
Define Individualistic Culture
A culture that emphasizes independence and personal achievements (e.g., U.S.).
Define Genes
Segments of DNA that determine traits.
What is the difference between nature and nurture?
Nature refers to genetic inheritance, while nurture refers to environmental influences.
Define Germinal Stage
The first stage of prenatal development (0-2 weeks) where the zygote undergoes cell division and implantation occurs.
Define Multifactorial Transmission
Traits influenced by both genes and environment.
Define Behaviorism
A theory stating that learning occurs through reinforcement and punishment (Pavlov, Skinner, Watson).
Define Psychosocial Development
Changes in emotions, personality, and relationships.
What are the three stages of prenatal development?
Germinal (0-2 weeks: fertilization, mitosis, implantation), Embryonic (3-8 weeks: organogenesis), Fetal (9 weeks-birth: brain and organ growth).
What is conception?
The process where a sperm cell fuses with an ovum (egg) to form a zygote.
Define Child Development
The scientific study of patterns of growth, change, and stability from conception through adolescence.
Define Turner Syndrome
A disorder caused by a missing X chromosome (XO), leading to short stature and infertility.
Define Chromosomes
Thread-like structures made of DNA that carry genetic information.
Define Embryonic Stage
The second stage of prenatal development (3-8 weeks) where major organs and structures begin to form.
Define Development
The process of change over time, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth.
Define Cognitive Theory
A theory stating that thinking and problem-solving develop in stages (Piaget, Vygotsky).
Define Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)
The natural loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, often due to genetic abnormalities.
Define Klinefelter Syndrome
A disorder caused by an extra X chromosome (XXY), leading to infertility and learning difficulties.
Define Culture
Shared beliefs, customs, and traditions of a group of people.
Define Amniotic Fluid
The fluid surrounding the fetus that cushions and protects it.
Define Collectivistic Culture
A culture that prioritizes group needs and social harmony (e.g., Japan).
Define Physical Development
Changes in body, brain structure, motor skills, and senses.
Define Dominant Inheritance
A trait that is expressed even if only one copy of the gene is present.
Define Placenta
An organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while removing waste.
Define Zygote
A single-celled organism formed at fertilization, containing 46 chromosomes.
Define Conception
The process where a sperm fertilizes an egg, forming a zygote.
What is child development?
The scientific study of patterns of growth, change, and stability from conception through adolescence.
Define Psychoanalytic Theory
A theory stating that unconscious drives and childhood experiences shape development (Freud, Erikson).
What is a zygote?
A single-celled organism formed after fertilization, containing 46 chromosomes.
Define Contextual Theory
A theory stating that development is influenced by environmental systems and interactions (Bronfenbrenner).
Define Mutation
A sudden change in genetic material that may affect traits or health.
Define Prenatal Development
The process of growth and development in the womb from conception to birth.
What is the difference between individualistic and collectivistic cultures?
Individualistic cultures emphasize independence (e.g., U.S.), while collectivistic cultures emphasize group goals (e.g., Japan).
Define Social Learning Theory
A theory stating that learning happens by observing and imitating others (Bandura).
Define Socioeconomic Status (SES)
A person’s social and economic position based on income, education, and occupation.
Define Low Birth Weight (LBW)
A newborn weight of less than 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams).
Define Evolutionary Theory
A theory stating that behavior is shaped by survival and reproductive needs (Darwin, Bowlby).
What is development?
Development refers to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes occurring across the lifespan. It begins at conception and ends at death.
What is a miscarriage?
A spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks, often due to genetic abnormalities.
Define Cognitive Development
Changes in thinking, problem-solving, language, and memory.
What is Down Syndrome?
A genetic disorder caused by an extra 21st chromosome, leading to intellectual disability and distinct facial features.
Define Cephalocaudal Development
A pattern of growth where development occurs from the head downward.
Define Proximodistal Development
A pattern of growth where development starts at the center of the body and moves outward.
How does alcohol affect prenatal development?
It can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), leading to intellectual disabilities, facial abnormalities, and growth issues.
What is polygenic inheritance?
A trait influenced by multiple genes, such as height or intelligence.
Define Preterm (Premature) Birth
A birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
