Topic 1: Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Question 1

What is the definition of developmental psychology?

Answer 1

The study of continuity and change across the lifespan

Question 2

Characteristics of quantitative change

Answer 2

Gradual, consistent change. E.g walking faster progressively over time

Question 3

Characteristics of qualitative change

Answer 3

Abrupt change in the quality of measurement. E.g. Crawling changing to walking

Question 4

What is U shaped change and what is a developmental explanation for it?

Answer 4

U-shaped change is a subset of qualititative change and is when performance gets worse before it gets better. An explanation could be that a child is initially using an incorrect approach before finding a more optimal strategy.

Question 5

What is atypical development?

Answer 5

Atypical development is when a delay or deviation from typical development is present. E.g. Individuals with down syndrome show delayed development on reading tasks.

Question 6

Study: (Case et al, 1982) Counting span task with US children age K-6

Answer 6

12 children, measuring their counting span and speed. Given a new number system with arbitary values, adults usung the new number system were at Kindergarten level. Shows that working memory efficiency is getting better over time, not necessarily capacity.

Question 7

What does Hitch et al (1989) suggest about strategy changes in 5-11 year olds.

Answer 7

Recall of paired images that are visually similar or phonologically similar or a control. 11 year olds preference for phonologically similar pairs and 5 year olds preference for visually similar pairs suggest a change of strategy from visual cues to word based cues.

Question 8

Example of U shaped language development.

Answer 8

Children’s use of verb tense. Strategy A: treat each verb as an individual problem with it’s own versions for tenses. Strategy B: assume all verbs end -ed and treat this as a rule.
Strategy C: Use their new rule with the exception of the known irregular verbs.

Question 9

What is a stage theory of development?

Answer 9

A theory that advocates development as a fundamental reorganization of the underlying mechanisms. E.g. Piaget’s theory of child cognitive development.