PSY 205 Flashcards
What is developmental psychology?
Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the psychological growth and change that occurs throughout the human lifespan. This field examines how people develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally from infancy through old age.
Types of developmental changes
- PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: involves changes in body size, shape, and function over time.It includes growth spurts, motor skill development, and changes in physical health and abilities as one ages.
- COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: pertains to changes in thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and memory.It involves the development of language, intelligence, and the ability to process information.
- EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: focuses on the emergence and regulation of emotions, including the ability to express and understand feelings.It involves developing self-concept, self-esteem, and emotional regulation skills.
- SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: examines how individuals interact with others and form relationships throughout their lives.It includes the development of social skills, empathy, and the ability to navigate social norms and expectations.
- MORAL DEVELOPMENT: This involves the evolution of moral reasoning and ethical behavior.It explores how individuals learn to distinguish right from wrong and develop a sense of justice.
Scope of developmental psychology
- INFANCY: Developmental psychology studies motor skills, language acquisition, and attachment formation during infancy.
- CHILDHOOD: In childhood, researchers explore cognitive abilities, social interactions, and the emergence of gender roles.
- ADOLESCENCE: The scope extends to understanding identity formation, peer influences, and the onset of emotional regulation challenges during adolescence.
- ADULTHOOD: In adulthood, developmental psychology looks at career development, family dynamics, and psychological well-being.
- AGING: This final stage involves the study of cognitive decline, life satisfaction, and coping with aging and loss.
Explain continuity Vs discontinuity
The continuity versus discontinuity debate in developmental psychology centers on whether development occurs gradually and smoothly (continuity) or in distinct stages (discontinuity).
CONTINUITY
Development is seen as a gradual, cumulative process where changes are incremental and can be measured over time. This perspective suggests that individuals develop through a series of small, gradual changes rather than abrupt shifts.
DISCONTINUITY
Development is characterized by distinct stages that are qualitatively different from one another. Each stage represents a new level of functioning or understanding, often involving significant changes in behavior or cognition.
Explain active Vs passive development
Active development suggests that individuals play a significant role in shaping their own development. People actively explore their environments, make choices, and engage with others in ways that influence their growth and learning. Passive development argues that individuals are shaped primarily by external influences, such as the environment, experiences, and social interactions.
Define growth
Growth refers to the quantitative and measurable physical changes that occur in a person such as increase in height, weight, and body mass.
Define development
Development refers to the systematic, progressive changes that occur in individuals over time, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
4 differences between growth and development
- NATURE: Growth is physical, while development is more comprehensive, involving mental, emotional, and social aspects.
- MEASUREMENT: Growth is measured in units (height, weight), while development is assessed through the quality of changes in abilities and behaviours.
- DURATION: Growth typically stops after a certain age, but development continues throughout life.
- FOCUS: Growth is more biological, whereas development includes psychological and social elements.
Factors responsible for human growth and development
- GENETICS: Inherited traits from parents play a significant role in determining physical growth, abilities, and potential for development.
- NUTRITION: Adequate and balanced nutrition is essential for proper physical growth and brain development, especially in early childhood.
- ENVIRONMENT: A stimulating and supportive environment promotes cognitive, emotional, and social development. Factors include family, school, and community.
- HEALTH: Good health ensures that children grow properly, while chronic illness or poor health conditions can impair growth and development.
- HORMONES: Hormonal balance, particularly growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones, regulate physical growth and the onset of puberty.
- EDUCATION: Access to education fosters intellectual development, enhancing cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.
- CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS: Cultural values, norms, and social interactions influence personality development, emotional regulation, and social behaviors.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Regular physical activity promotes healthy growth, bone strength, and motor development.
What is heredity?
Heredity refers to the transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring. Genetic inheritance provides the blueprint for traits such as eye colour, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases
What are genes?
Genes are the basic units of heredity, made up of DNA. They carry the instructions for making proteins that influence how the body grows, functions, and looks.
What is prenatal development?
Prenatal development is the process of growth and development that occurs in a baby from conception until birth.
Stages of prenatal development
- Germinal Stage (Weeks 1–2): Begins at conception, with the fertilized egg (zygote) dividing and implanting in the uterus.
- Embryonic Stage (Weeks 3–8): Cells differentiate into major organs and systems, forming the embryo’s basic structure.
- Fetal Stage (Week 9–Birth): The fetus grows in size and weight, with organs maturing to sustain life outside the womb.
Factors that influence prenatal development
- Genetic factors
- Teratogens
- Maternal health and nutrition
- Stress
- Environmental factors
- Maternal age
Stages of labour
- FIRST STAGE (DILATION AND EFFACEMENT): This stage begins with contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm. It is usually the longest stage and can last for several hours.
- SECOND STAGE (DELIVERY OF THE BABY): The mother pushes, and the baby moves through the birth canal. This stage ends with the birth of the baby.
- THIRD STAGE (DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA): After the baby is born, the placenta (afterbirth) is expelled from the uterus. This stage is usually quick, lasting only a few minutes.
