Psychosocial: Newborn- Toddlerhood

Question 1

Behavioral Genetics

Answer 1

the scientific study of using genetic methods to explore the nature and origins of individual differences in behavior.

Question 2

Genotype Environment Correlations

Answer 2

refers to the procedures by which genetic factors influence variations in the environment.

• -passive correlation: the relation between the genetically influenced behavior that children inherit from the environment in which they are raised.
• -evocative correlation: the relation between the genetically influenced behavior of an individual and the reaction of others to that behavior.
• -active correlation: the relation between the genetic propensities of an individual and the environmental niches that the individual picks.

Question 3

Epigenetics

Answer 3

study of behavior and environment changes that affect the way genes work

Question 4

Temperament

Answer 4

refers to the innate characteristics of the infant, including mood, activity level, and emotional reactivity, noticeable soon after birth.

Question 5

Goodness-of-fit

Answer 5

the rapport between individual temperament and the surrounding environment.

For example, an adventurous child whose parents regularly take her outside on hikes would provide a good “fit” to her temperament.

Question 6

Social Referencing

Answer 6

the process of reference that infants use by reading their caregivers’ responses to manage their own response towards persons, objects, and situations

Question 7

Emotional Self-Regulation

Answer 7

the ability to manage disruptive behavior so that it is socially tolerable and sufficiently flexible

Question 8

Self-Awareness

Answer 8

the realization that you are separate from others. The awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the self, which helps set goals for improvement and achievement. Developed around 15-24 months.

Question 9

Attachment

Answer 9

the close bond with a caregiver from which the infant derives a sense of security. Bowlby developed the concept of attachment theory, defining attachment as the affectional bond or tie that an infant forms with the mother.
–secure base is a parental presence that gives the child a sense of safety as the child explores the surroundings

Question 10

Contact Comfort

Answer 10

The infant’s need for physical closeness and touching, believed to be the foundation for attachment.

Question 11

Constructivism

Answer 11

a theory of learning based on the idea that children actively try to understand the world around them.

• –cognitive constructivist: theorist focused on independent learning
• –social constructivist: theorist believes in relying on social interactions for learning

Question 12

Theory of Mind

Answer 12

ability to think about other people’s thoughts. This mental mind reading helps humans to understand and predict the reactions of others, thus playing a crucial role in social development.

Question 13

Egocentrism

Answer 13

inability to see anyone else’s point of view, other than one’s own. In early childhood, not to be able to take the perspective of others, believing that everyone sees, thinks, and feels just as they do.

Question 14

Collectivistic Cultures

Answer 14

those that emphasize conformity to family and cultural value. May reduce the degree of familial conflict of opinions expressed in the family.

Question 15

Individualistic Cultures

Answer 15

encourage children to think for themselves and assert their own opinion

Question 16

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Answer 16

a developmental disability marked by significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges in people suffering from it. Exact causes unknown but appears to be strongly influenced by genetics.