Lecture 3: Motor and Cognitive development in Infancy Flashcards
What is the difference between maturation and development
Maturation is age related physical and behavioural changes characteristic of a species- usually quite stable
Development is the process of growth and transformation through which children achieve new physical, cognitive and psychological abilities - it is dynamic and interactive
What are the facets of development that interact with each other
- Physical development and health
- Social emotional relationships and home,school & public health environments
- Cognitive development
How do genes affect development
They have
Direct effects on neural structure, the amount of production of neurotransmitters, and the amount of susceptibility to the environment.
What are key features of brain that affect brain development
- # of glial cells: protect & support neurons
- myelination
- neural migration: enough cells in right place
- synapses
What is epigenetics
Functional modification of the DNA that does not involve an alteration of the sequence which is reversible.
What are factors of the environment and how does it affect development
- sensitive parenting and family
- safe neighbourhoods
- health care system responsibility
- extended family
What aspects of the Learning environment are important in development
- Exploration and play with age appropriate toys.
- Communication
- Rituals at bedtime
- Stimulation
What are the cultural influences on development
- beliefs about childrearing
- family structure
- meaning of the child and its place in the family
What are signs of sensorimotor intelligence in 0-1 month stage
Newborn reflexes are basis of sensorimotor intelligence
-suck, grasp and look in much the same way, no matter what the circumstance.
What are 2 basic standardised screened milestones to determine development and what is the general range of variability
Sitting unsupported by 6 months.
Taking first steps or walking by 12 months.
This has variability of +/- 4 weeks
When is object permanence learnt between
0-2 years
Does timing affect development
Yes, there is are specific periods where they are sensitive to particular environmental stimulus which doesn’t have the same effect when encountered before or after this period.
ie learning language
What are the main things looked at when assessing language development
Comprehension (6-18 months fast increase) and production (quite low 6-18 months).
Babies understand words first before they can produce them due to growth of their vocal cords
What is the timeline of communication development for babies- when stuff first starts
Crying at birth, pseudo-conversations at birth, gestures 3-12, cooing start 1 month, babbling start middle of 1st year, naming explosion 1.5-2.5 yrs
