Physical Development in Infancy Flashcards
Physical growth, motor, sensory and perceptual development in infants
cephalocaudal pattern
sequence in which growth proceeds from top to bottom
proximodistal pattern
sequence in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves toward extremities
dendritic spreading
during first year of life, increases connections between neurons
myelination
speeds conduction of nerve impulses
laterilazition
specialization of function in one hemisphere of the brain
neuroconstructivist view
biological processes and environmental conditions influence brain’s development, brain has plasticity & is context dependent, cognitive development is closely linked to development of brain
dynamic systems view
Perception and action are coupled. Motor skills are the result of many converging factors (development of nervous system, ability of body to move, goal motivating movement & environmental support for movement)
automatic reflexes
rooting, sucking, grasping, Moro reflex. Disappear after 3-4 months
permanent reflexes
coughing, blinking, sneezing. Persist throughout life
gross motor skills
large muscle activities - posture and walking
fine motor skills
finely tuned movements - reaching and grasping
sensation
occurs when information interacts with sensory receptors
perception
the interpretation of sensation
ecological view
Developed by Gibsons. States we directly perceive information that exists in the world around us. Perception brings people in contact with the environment to interact with and adapt to it.
affordances
According to ecological view, they provide opportunities for interaction offered by objects that fit within our capabilities to perform activities.