Key Issues in Developmental Psychology Flashcards
What is the discontinuous process?
People pass through stages of life that are qualitatively different from each other.
What is the butterfly metaphor? And what does it prove?
There are clear and distinct stages of life e.g. you cannot have a butterfly without an earlier stage happening.
It proves discontinuous theories.
What is the continuous process?
Emphasises that developmental and changes in individuals occur gradually.
What are the two types of intelligence according to Cattell?
Fluid - problem solving & abstract thinking
Crystallised - knowledge
What is the U-shaped function?
Certain abilities showing high level of proficiency to begin with and then decline with age and experience.
The development picks up again after the apparent deterioration of ability.
What does Watson say about behaviourism?
Nurture is the only factor - conditioning is essential to development and learning.
E.g. Little Albert
What does Skinner say about behaviourism?
Experience is a consequence of how you respond to a stimulus - operant conditioning.
What is the information processing perspective?
Information passes through the senses and gets translated through behaviour.
What is the nature-nurture debate?
Looks at whether genetics or external factors influence a child’s growth and development.
What is plasticity?
The ability of the brain to adapt after injury.
What is the critical period?
The absolute period where you can acquire certain knowledge and skills - the best time for it to be learned.
What is the sensitive period?
Time period most conductive to an aspect of development. e.g. attachment.
What is imprinting?
Innate learning that involves attachment to the first moving object seen. e.g. Lorenz’ Geese
