Psyc2021 Human Development Flashcards
Why is the prevalence of multiple births increasing?
More older mothers - Older mothers are more likely to have multiple births.
More assisted conception.
When conducting a one on one interview what does the acronym SOLER stand for? (Hint: body posture)
Square orientation ( non -direct on, across a table is ok) Open posture (non crossed hands) Leaning towards (slightly, it shows interest) Eye contact (is 'respectful' in western culture, but there is cultural variance) Relaxed
What is the range-of-reaction principle?
The idea that a genotype sets limits on the range of possible phenotypes that a person might display in response to different environment ( restricted, natural habitat, enriched) - certain genes types are more reactive.
What is Waddington’s Epignetic landscape principle?
Developmental outcome depends not just on gene-environment interaction but on the timing of that interaction.
I.e environmental factors have the greatest influence at certain points in development
What are the four developmental principles? (Hints: genetics and developmental outcomes)
1 - one genetic factor can lead to many different developmental outcomes for a single characteristic, such as intelligence e.g PKU and how quickly a child is put on the special diet.
2 - one genetic factor can influence the development of many different characteristics e.g the gene that causes albinism can also cause defects in the nerve connections between the brain and the eyes.
3 - genes are not “switched on” at all points in development, so cause and effect are not necessarily close together in time. E.g hunting tons chorea, an inherited degenerative neurological disorder with a late onset at avg. age of 30/40. Gene isolated in 1993. No cure.
4 - environments influence gene expression, key concept: pro ballistic epigenesis. I.e many genes require specific environmental circumstances to be expressed….many are never expressed.
In probalistic epigenesis ( when genes are influenced by the environment), what is a reciprocal relationship?
A change in the organism that is attributed to the selective activation of specific genes then places the organism in a new environment in which different genes would be activated.
What is a teratogen?
Environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period. Any agent that causes a birth defect.
E.g medications, social drugs, disease (rubella), radiation, environmental contamination.
All babies are exposed, but most show no discernible physical or psychological impairments. Resulting congenital malformation higher in males (except for cleft palate, dislocated hips, anencepelly), multiple births, low birth weight and indigenous.
What are the outcomes of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Gross structural anomalies of the brain, smaller in size, less convolutions due to less nutritionist, oxygen etc.
Different effects based on different point in development, early drinking (before a women realises she is pregnant) has a great effect on the early susceptible brain.
Hard to determine occurrence of FAE due to variance in effects and low self-report due to social desirability bias.
What is equifinality?
One developmental outcome can have many causes.
When is the critical period of development for the brain/CNS?
It is ALWAYS in some critical period!
What is multifinality?
Different developmental outcomes can result from the same cause (timing, dosage, exposure)
In terms of teratogens, what is a facilitator?
Something which increases the terogenetic effect of a teratogens. E.g caffeine
