Human Development Flashcards
Ainsworth’s strange situation task
A test developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess attachment styles in infants by observing their reactions to separations and reunions with their caregivers.
Animism
The belief, common in young children, that inanimate objects have human feelings and intentions.
Anxious attachment
A type of insecure attachment where individuals are overly dependent on others and fear abandonment.
Avoidant attachment
A type of insecure attachment where individuals avoid closeness and emotional connections.
Carol Gilligan
Psychologist known for her work on moral development, emphasizing differences between male and female perspectives.
Centration
A cognitive limitation in young children where they focus on one aspect of a situation and ignore others.
Cephalocaudal
The pattern of growth and development from head to toe in infants.
Concrete operational
Piaget’s stage (7-11 years) where children develop logical thinking but struggle with abstract concepts.
Conservation
The understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance.
Conventional level
Kohlberg’s stage of moral development where individuals conform to societal rules and expectations.
Cross-sectional study
A research method that compares different age groups at one point in time.
Egocentrism
A child’s difficulty in understanding perspectives other than their own.
Emerging adulthood
A developmental phase (18-25 years) where individuals explore identity, relationships, and career paths.
Formal operational
Piaget’s stage (12+ years) where individuals develop abstract and logical thinking.
Harry Harlow
Psychologist known for studies on attachment in monkeys, showing the importance of comfort and security.
Identity achievement
Erikson’s concept of resolving identity crises and developing a clear sense of self.
Identity diffusion
A lack of direction or commitment in identity development.
Identity foreclosure
Committing to an identity without personal exploration, often influenced by parents or society.
Identity moratorium
A phase of active identity exploration without commitment.
Irreversibility
A cognitive limitation where young children struggle to mentally reverse actions or steps.
John Bowlby
Psychologist who proposed attachment theory, emphasizing that infants are biologically programmed to seek care and protection.
Longitudinal study
A research method that follows the same group over a long period to observe changes.
Object permanence
Understanding that objects exist even when they cannot be seen.
Postconventional level
Kohlberg’s highest stage of moral development, where decisions are guided by ethical principles.
Preconventional level
Kohlberg’s first level of moral development, where behavior is driven by rewards and punishments.
Preoperational
Piaget’s stage (2-7 years) where children develop symbolic thinking but struggle with logic.
Proximodistal
Development pattern from the center of the body outward.
Scaffolding
Vygotsky’s concept of providing structured support to help learners achieve tasks they could not do alone.
Secure attachment
A healthy attachment style where individuals feel safe and connected but can be independent.
Sensorimotor
Piaget’s stage (0-2 years) where infants learn through sensory experiences and actions.
Symbolic play
Pretend play where children use objects to represent other things.
Teenage brain
The developing adolescent brain, characterized by heightened emotions and impulsivity due to an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex.
Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
Theory that cognitive development is shaped by social and cultural interactions.
Zone of proximal development
The range of tasks a learner can perform with guidance but not yet independently.
Trust vs. Mistrust
Infancy (0-1 year): Developing trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Toddlerhood (1-3 years): Developing independence or feeling doubt in one’s abilities.
Initiative vs. Guilt
Preschool (3-6 years): Taking initiative in activities or feeling guilty about efforts.
Industry vs. Inferiority
School age (6-12 years): Developing competence in skills or feeling inadequate.
Identity vs. Role Confusion
Adolescence (12-18 years): Exploring and forming a personal identity or feeling confused.
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Young adulthood (18-40 years): Forming intimate relationships or experiencing loneliness.
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Middle adulthood (40-65 years): Contributing to society or feeling unproductive.
Integrity vs. Despair
Late adulthood (65+ years): Reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret.
