Module 10: Developmental Issues, Prenatal Development and the Newborn

Question 1

What is developmental psychology?

Answer 1

A branch of psychology that examines examines our physical, cognitive, and social development across the life span.

Question 2

Prevalent Themes in Developmental Psychology

Answer 2

1. Nature and Nurture: genetic inheritance (nature) interaction with experiences (nurture) to influence development.
2. Continuity and Stages: What is gradual and what is continuous? What parts change?
3. Stability and Change: Which traits persist through life? Which change over time?

Question 3

Zygote

Answer 3

A fertilized egg; it enters a 2 week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo. Exists from: Conception to 2 weeks.

Question 4

Embryo

Answer 4

The developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month. Exist from: 2-9 weeks.

Question 5

Fetus

Answer 5

The developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth.

Question 6

Teratogens

Answer 6

Agents such as viruses and drugs that can damage an embryo or fetus during prenatal development.

Question 7

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Answer 7

Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman’s heavy drinking. In severe cases, signs include a small, out of proportion head and abnormal facial features.

Question 8

Habituation

Answer 8

Decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation. For example, as infants fain familiarity with a repeated exposure to a stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner.

Question 9

Reflexive Responding

Answer 9

Coordinated sequence of reflexes displayed by babies, such as startling, grasping, sucking.