The Beginnings Flashcards
Scientific Method
Ask Questions (Curiosity)
Hypothesis
Test the hypothesis (Empirical Evidence=based on observations, xp, experiment)
Draw conclusions (Using evidence)
Report results
Experimental Method
Procedure carried out to support/refute hypothesis, or determine efficacy/likelihood of something previously untried
Independent/dependent variables
Correlation/Causation
Correlation=Exists between 2 variables if 1 variable more likely to occur when other does
Correlation no causation
Nature/Nurture
Nature=Genes people inherit
Nurture=Environmental influences (Mother’s nutrition while pregnant to cultural influences, etc.)
Plasticity
Abilities, personality, other human characteristics can change over time.
Major Theorists
Erik Erikson (Emotional development, psychodynamic)
Jean Piaget (Cognitive development)
Lawrence Kohlberg (Moral development)
Lev Vygotsky (Sociocultural theory)
Sigmund Freud (Psychosexual stages)
B.F. Skinner (Operant conditioning, reinforcement)
Psychoanalytic
Freud’s theory of stages of development, each emphasizes sexual nature of the child.
Irrational, unconscious drives/motives, often originating in childhood erotic impulses, underlie human behavior
Psychosocial
Erikson’s theory of the stages of development, emphasizing interaction between psychic needs of the individual and the surrounding social network of family and community
Operant Conditioning
Learning process where particular action followed by something desired or unwanted
Behaviorism
Grand theory of human development that studies observable behavior
Social Learning Theory
Extension of behaviorism that emphasizes the influence that other people have over a person’s behavior. Every individual learns many things through observation and imitation of other people
Cognitive Developmental
Field of study in neuroscience and psychology focusing on child’s development in terms of information processing, conceptual resources, perceptual skill, language learning, other aspects of the developed adult brain, and cognitive psychology
Sociocultural (ZPD)
Theory that holds that development results from dynamic interaction of each person with the surrounding social and cultural forces
(Learner’s ability to successfully complete tasks with assistance of more capable other people)
Information Processing
Perspective that compares human thinking processes, by analogy, to computer analysis of data, including sensory input, connections, stored memories, and output
Ecological Theory/Evolutionary theory
Overall trophic efficiency and number of trophic levels in food webs related to ecosystem production
Idea that many current human emotions and impulses are a legacy from thousands of years
Chromosomes
46 molecules of DNA (23 pairs) that virtually each cell of the human body contains and that contain all genes together.
Genes
Small section of chromosome; basic unit for transmission of heredity
Consists of string of chemicals that provide instructions for the cell to manufacture certain proteins
Genetic Inheritance
A trait or variants encoded in DNA and passed from parent to offspring during reproduction
Genotype/Phenotype
Organism’s entire genetic inheritance, or genetic potential (Inside)
Observable characteristics of a person, including appearance, personality, intelligence, and all other traits
Epigenetic Principle
Study of how environmental factors affect genes and genetic expression-enhancing, halting, shaping, or altering expression of genes
Events/circumstances surrounding genes determine whether genes expressed/silenced
Prenatal Stages
Germinal (First two weeks)
Embryonic (Third through eighth week)
Fetal (Eight week until birth)
Pregnancy and it’s timeline
First trimester (1-13 weeks)
Second trimester (14-26 weeks)
Third trimester (27-40)
Critical and sensitive periods
Major defects of body and internal organs more likely to occur between 3-12 weeks
Birth
38 weeks after conception
Birth occurs after 2 hours of active labor for first births and 7 hours for subsequent ones
Newborn health often measured by Apgar scale
May need Cesarean sections (c-sections)
