lecture 3 Flashcards
Human development 1
what is developmental psychology?
study of age-related changes in behaviour and mental processes from conception to death
what is study development all about?
Special considerations:
-Post hoc fallacy
-Bidirectional influences
-Thinking about early experiences
-Infant determinism
-Childhood fragility
experimental designs
Longitudinal design :
definition:
Examination of development in the same group of people on multiple occasions over time
cross-sectional
Examination of people of different ages at a single point in time
timeline:
longtitudinal design:Several points in time
cross-sectional: One point in time
results:
longtitudinal design:
Provides details of changes over time
cross-sectional: Delivers snapshot at a given point of time
limitations:
longtitudinal design: Costly, time consuming, dropout
cross-sectional: Cannot account for cohort effects
Cohort effect: effect observed in a sample of participants that results from individuals in the sample of growing up at the same time
nature v nurture
They interact!
1. Gene-Environment Interaction
-Genes and environment work together to shape behavior.
The impact of genes on traits depends on the environment in which they develop.
-For example, a person with a genetic predisposition for intelligence may perform better in an enriched learning environment than in a deprived one.
Nature via Nurture
-Genetic predispositions can influence the environment people seek or create.
-For example, a naturally curious child may be more likely to engage in activities that stimulate learning, which can enhance their cognitive development.
Gene Expression
-Some genes only “turn on” or become active in response to specific environmental events (e.g., exposure to stress or social support).
-This means that genetics may not determine everything about us; environmental influences can activate or suppress certain genetic traits.
developing physically
Stages of prenatal development
-germinal period: 0-2 weeks (zygote)
-time from conception to implantation
-over half do not successfully implant
Embryonic period: 3-8 weeks (embryo)
-brain starts developing; limbs,facial features, and major organs form; sexual differentiation begins
-heart starts beating by the 9th week
Fetal period: 9th week-birth (fetus)
-last 3 months: there is rapid growth of body and brain
Prenatal development: the brain
-~ 18 days post fertilizationp–> brain development begins
-proliferation: neuron development
-begings day 18 and continues 6mo in utero
-neurons develop at astronomical rate
-organ that continues to develop after birth
what does folic acid have to do
Folic acid is essential for brain development, especially during pregnancy. It helps form the neural tube, supports DNA synthesis, aids neurotransmitter production, and promotes cognitive growth. Deficiency can lead to birth defects and neurodevelopmental issues.
what can affect a babys development?
Environmental hazards
-embryo or fetus affected by:
-mother’s health (including experience of stress)
-mother’s diet
Teratogens: environmental agents that can damage the fetus or embryo
-substances– prescription drugs, illicit drugs, nicotine, alcohol
-diseases– eg. german measles (rubella)
-environmental exposure– e.g., lead, mercury poisoning
Other risks to prenatal development
Genetic disorders
-random errors in cell division
prematurity
–full term baby is born between 37 and 42 weeks
gestation
* Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature
* Age of viability - ~25 weeks
motor development
-reflexes
-sucking reflex- if you put something in the babies mouth, it will start sucking on it
-rooting reflex- the reflex that if you stroke the babies cheek, the baby will turn their heads towards it and open their mouths
Sitting without support= 6 months
Crawling= 9 months
standing= 11 months
cruising= 12 months
Walking without assistance= 13 months
Running=18-24 months
