Theoretical Approaches, Research Methods & Prenatal Development Flashcards
What is development?
Development is the pattern of change that begins at conception and continues throughout the human life span. These changes include: physical, neurological structures, cognitive processes, emotions etc.
What are the two approaches to development?
- The traditional approach- emphasizes extensive change from birth to adolescence, little to no change in adulthood and a decline in changes during old age. Sort of like a spike graph
- Life Span approach- this ideology is more comprehensive as it emphasizes developmental change throughout childhood and adulthood.
What are the characteristics of the traditional approach
- sequential and predictable stages
- focus on early life
- biological maturation (the process by which an individual physically develops and matures over time)
- universal development patterns
What are the characteristics of the life-span approach?
- lifelong
- multidimensional
- multidirectional
- contextual
Discuss the nature of development.
Development can be any of the following:
- biological (changes in physical nature)
- cognitive (changes in thought, intelligence and language)
- socio emotional: (changes in relation with other people, emotions and personality
- connecting all three
Why study development?
- to understand changes that appear to be universal
- to explain individual changes
- to understand how children’s behaviour is influenced by environmental factors
- to understand the interaction between biological and cultural factors
Significance of age (types of age)
- Chronological age- number of years that have elapsed since birth
- Biological age- age in terms of biological health
- Psychological age- individual’s adaptive capacities compared with those of other individuals of the same chronological age
- Social age- connectedness with other and the social roles individuals adopt
What are the 5 developmental issues?
- Environmental vs. Biological determinants of behaviour
- Active vs. Passive nature of the child
- Continuity vs. Discontinuity in development
- Stability over time
- Consistency across situations
Research Design
- descriptive
- correlational
- experimental
- cross sectional design
- longitudinal design
- cross sequential design
Ethical issues in research
- informed consent
- confidentiality
- debriefing
- deception
- minimize risk & maximize benefit
- minimizing bias
Prenatal development- Conception
Development begins with the contribution of a sperm cell from the father penetrating the wall of an ovum/egg from the mother.
The sperm releases 23 chromosomes and the nucleus of the ovum breaks up releasing 23 chromosomes.
The individual begins life with 46 chromosomes. 22 of these chromosome pairs are called autosomes. The remaining pair are the sex chromosomes.
Females have XX and males have XY chromosomes.
Discuss the stages of prenatal development
Prenatal development is divided into 3 periods lasting approximately 38-40 weeks. To put simply the development that occurs during pregnancy lasts approximately 9 months.
- Germinal Period: first 2 weeks after conception (implantation- attachment of the zygote to uterine wall)
- Embryonic Period: from 2 to 8 weeks after conception (organogenesis- fetus’ organs begin to form)
- Fetal Period: from 2 months after conception until birth
Discuss the Three Trimesters of Prenatal Development
• First trimester: Includes early formation and organ development.
• Second trimester: Involves growth, organ development, and viability.
• Third trimester: Prepares for birth and further maturation.
What is teratology?
Teratology is the scientific study of birth defects or abnormalities in the development of an embryo or fetus. It focuses on how environmental factors, substances, or conditions can disrupt normal development during pregnancy, leading to structural or functional defects in the baby.
What are teratogens?
Teratogens: These are the agents that can cause malformations or abnormalities. Common teratogens include:
• **Drugs and chemicals**: Examples include alcohol, caffeine, certain medications (e.g., thalidomide, isotretinoin), and recreational drugs. • **Infections**: Viruses like rubella, Zika, and cytomegalovirus can cause serious congenital disabilities. • **Radiation**: High levels of radiation exposure can lead to developmental problems. • **Maternal health conditions**: Uncontrolled diabetes or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., folic acid deficiency) can also affect development. Additionally there is the factor of incompatible blood types (Rh Factor)
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, FAS leads to growth deficits, facial abnormalities, and cognitive impairments.
