UNIT 1 aos 2 - critical and sensitive periods in development

Question 1

stages of lifespan development

Answer 1

infancy - 0-2
childhood - 2-12
adolescence - 12-20
early adulthood - 20-40
middle aged - 40-65
old age - 65+

Question 2

define maturation

Answer 2

a pre-determined biological sequence of behaviours which occurs at certain ages

Question 3

define inborn reflexes

Answer 3

a set of unlearned automatic responses to certain stimuli that babies are born with

Question 4

define developmental norms

Answer 4

used to indicate the average age at which individuals reach certain milestones

Question 5

what are critical periods?

Answer 5

critical periods are a period in life where certain experiences must happen for normal development to proceed. for example, human babies must receive exposure to light in the first few days of life so that the sensory neurons in the retina develop. If this does not happen, the baby may be permanently visually impaired.

Question 6

what are sensitive periods?

Answer 6

sensitive periods are the best or optimal times for psychological development in certain areas. for example, learning to speak in the first few years of life.

Question 7

what are teratogens?

Answer 7

any toxic substance that can cause harm to an unborn child

Question 8

what is experience-dependent learning?

Answer 8

learning which occurs at any time during an individual’s life as a result of experience

Question 9

what is experience-expectant learning?

Answer 9

occurs during sensitive periods and refers to experiences necessary for learning to occur

Question 10

define physical development

Answer 10

development of body structures and functions including gross and fine motor skills

Question 11

define cognitive development

Answer 11

development of our mental abilities

Question 12

define emotional and social development

Answer 12

ability to interact with other people and the ability to regulate and understand emotions

Question 13

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in infancy

Answer 13

PHYSICAL - Rapid brain and body growth
COGNITIVE - Increase in memory and learning abilities
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - Development of self- recognition and self- identity, and beginning to understand gender identity

Question 14

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in childhood

Answer 14

PHYSICAL - Hand preference established
COGNITIVE - Large increase in the use and understanding of language
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - More sophisticated pretend play

Question 15

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in adolescence

Answer 15

PHYSICAL - Dramatic growth spurt, sexual maturity and brain development, especially the prefrontal cortex
COGNITIVE - Sophisticated and logical thinking skills
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - A quest for independence

Question 16

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in early adulthood

Answer 16

PHYSICAL - Peak physical functioning
COGNITIVE - Sophisticated cognitive skills, particularly in areas of expertise
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - Continued work on self- identity

Question 17

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in middle age

Answer 17

PHYSICAL - Physical declines become noticeable
COGNITIVE - More stable cognitive functioning, peak expertise and creative experiences
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - Career and family life more stable

Question 18

give one example of a physical, cognitive and social and environmental development in old age

Answer 18

PHYSICAL - Continued physical decline
COGNITIVE - For many, some cognitive decline (but not inevitable)
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL - Self-esteem and life satisfaction is generally very good