Module 13: Developmental Issues, Prenatal Development, and the Newborn Flashcards
zygote
the life cycle begins at conception, when
one sperm cell unites with an egg to form a zygote (fertilized egg). The zygote enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division.
embryo
the zygote’s inner cells become the embryo; the outer cells become the placenta. The embryo is the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through 2 months.
fetus
in the next 6 weeks, body organs begin to
form and function. By 9 weeks, the fetus is
recognizably human.
What did Jean Piaget focus on?
cognitive development
What did Lawrence Kohlberg focus on?
moral development
What did Erik Erikson focus on?
psychosocial development
stability & change
we experience both stability and change
throughout the life span. Some characteristics, such as temperament, are very stable.
continuity & stages
researchers who emphasize experience and learning typically see development as a slow, continuous shaping process.
researchers who emphasize biological maturation tend to see development as a sequence of genetically predisposed series of steps or stages
teratogen
an agent, such as a chemical or virus, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
physical and mental 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.
newborn
arrives with automatic reflex responses that support survival—sucking, tonguing, swallowing, and breathing
cries to elicit help and comfort
searches for sights and sounds linked to other
humans, especially mother
smells and sees well and uses sensory equipment to learn
possesses a biologically rooted temperament
