From Conception Through First Year

Question 1

Developmental Psychologists study…

Answer 1

Physiological and cognitive changes across the life span, and how they are affected by:

• genetics
• culture
• circumstances, and experiences

Question 2

Define: Socialization

Answer 2

How children learn the rules and behaviors expected of them by society.

Question 3

Name the 3 stages of fetal development:

Answer 3

• germinal state
• embryonic stage
• fetal stage

Question 4

Define: germinal state

Answer 4

Begins at fertilization, when the sperm unites with the ovum(egg), and produces a zygote. The zygote divides into a cluster of cells and attaches itself to the uterus.

• outer cluster forms placenta and umbilical cord
• inner cluster forms the embryo

Question 5

What is the function of an umbilical cord?

Answer 5

It serves as a link for food from the mother

Question 6

Define: embryonic stage

Answer 6

Starts 2 weeks after fertilization, and lasts until 8th week after conception.

Question 7

Define: fetal stage

Answer 7

After 8 weeks, the fetus further develops its organs and systems

Question 8

In which stage of Prenatal Development does decision of gender occur?

Answer 8

In the embryonic stage, weeks 4-8. Testosterone is secreted for males, and without it, the embryo will become female.

Question 9

Who has an increased risk of conceiving a child who develops schizophrenia?

Answer 9

Fathers over 50. The risk is 3X more than fathers under 25.

Question 10

Who has an increased risk of conceiving a premature or low birth weight child?

Answer 10

Teenage fathers

Question 11

During pregnancy, what are 6 harmful influences that can cross the placental barrier?

Answer 11

• German Measles (Rubella)
• X-Rays, radiation, and toxic substances
• STD’s
• cigarette smoking
• regular consumption of alcohol
• illicit or commonly used household drugs

Question 12

Define: Motor Reflexes

Answer 12

Automatic behaviors necessary for survival.

Question 13

What are some perceptual abilities of newborns?

Answer 13

• senses (see, hear, smell, touch)
• visual range begins at 8 inches
• ability to distinguish contrasts, shadows, and edges
• ability to immediately identify their caregiver

Question 14

Who first observed the negative effects on children without secure attachments?

Answer 14

John Bowlby

Question 15

Define: Contact Comfort

Answer 15

The pleasure of being touched and held.

• crucial for newborns and throughout life
• releases endorphins

Question 16

Define: Separation Anxiety

Answer 16

An infant will show anxiety when the primary caregiver temporarily leaves them.

• reaction can continue into 2nd-3rd year
• all children go though this phase

Question 17

Who created the “Strange Situation” that explores the nature of attachment between mother and baby?

Answer 17

Mary Ainsworth

Question 18

Based on the “Strange Situation”, how is attachment categorized?

Answer 18

• Secure Attachment
• Insecure Attachment
• avoidant
• anxious or ambivalent

Question 19

How did a “Securely Attached” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?

Answer 19

• cried when mother left room
• happy once the mother came back
• more attached to mother than stranger

Question 20

How did an insecurely attached: “Avoidant” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?

Answer 20

• did not care if the mother left the room

- treated the mother and stranger about the same

Question 21

How did an insecurely attached: “Anxious/Ambivalent” child respond in the “Strange Situation”?

Answer 21

• protested if mother tried to leave

- resisted contact with mother at reunion

Question 22

What effects does daycare have on a child’s attachment development?

Answer 22

None

Question 23

What type of attachment are infants predisposed to?

Answer 23

secure attachment

Question 24

What are 4 factors that promote insecure attachment?

Answer 24

• abandonment/deprivation in years 1-2 of life
• abusive/neglectful parenting
• child’s own genetically influenced temperament
• stressful circumstances in child’s family