Week 1 Lecture Flashcards
Define lifespan developmental psychology?
Field of study that identifies and explains stability, continuity, change, growth in an individual from conception to death.
Which period did traditional developmental psychology focus on?
The childhood period
What are the domains of development which also interact (3)?
- Physical
- cognitive
- social-emotional
Which developmental periods are purely biological and not dependant on culture?
conception and death
Are developmental milestones set?
NO - they are averages
There is an interplay between temporal markers of the developmental periods. They may be what? (2)
- clear or approximate
2. biological or culturally defined
What are some methods researchers in developmental psychology use to collect data?
observation, interviews, standardised tests, surveys, single case studies, data mining.
Observation as a data method is low on _____ but high in ____. It is useful in children who are not yet able to do other testings (babies).
- control
2. Ecological validity (not changing the situation)
Moral development generally use what kind of testing?
Interviews
What are 3 issues in using interviews as a way of collecting data in developmental psychology research?
- You cannot view behaviour.
- Responses may not be entirely truthful (accurate)
- Language issues
- Culture
Why are surveys a good way of getting realistic data?
Because they’re anonymous, people are more likely to tell the truth
What is data mining? Give an example of this
Looking at specific groups
e.g., only those who right with their right hand
What are the (4) difference research designs used in developmental psychology?
- Cross-sectional designs
- Longitudinal
- Sequential (cross lagged)
- Micro genetic
What are some factors you need to consider when studying cross sectional designs?
It’s efficient, however, you need to account for cohort effects and differences
What are 3 problems with longitudinal studies?
- expensive
- attrition (drop out)
- Repeating tests problem
What is one problem with the ideal method testing, sequential?
Expensive (in time and money)
What is a microgenetic research design?
In depth study of a particular change in behaviour, as they’re occurring
What happens with the ethical guideline of consent when it comes to testing children in developmental psychology? (3)
- Generally given by caregivers
- As soon as old enough to give consent they do
- Verbal assent rather than written assent
What are (5) reasons to study lifespan developmental psychology?
- Gives realistic expectations
- helps to respond to actual behaviour
- Help to indicate normal behaviour and when that is deviated from
- Helps us understand ourselves
- Advocacy for those who need extra help
What are the 4 developmental influences?
- Nature vs. nurture
- Continuity vs. discontinuity
- Universal vs. cultural influences
- Normative vs. non-normative
What is the interactive viewpoint of nature vs nurture?
That behaviour is developed by both genetic and environmental influences
What is the more contemporary debate re. nature/nurture?
The extent of the role that each play.
Why is it important to recognise environmental influences in development?
Because interventions can affect the pre disposed genetic aspects of development
What does continuity mean?
Development occurs in a quantitative way, gradual, incremental and smooth.
What does discontinuity mean?
Development occurs in distinct, qualitatively different steps or stages.
What do universal influences on development mean?
Some underlying processes are universal - maturational and culture-free
What are cultural influences on development?
Aspects of development are strongly influences by culture.
The choose a pen task, where there is a row of pens 4 blue 1 green, demonstrated what?
Differences in collectivist vs. individualistic cultures. (77% of Americans chose the green pen while only 31% of asian students chose the green)
What are the 3 types of normative influences
- age
- history
- socio-cultural
What are age graded normative influences?
biological and environmental effects relative to age groups. Everyone goes through them regardless of culture.
What are history graded normative influences called? (1) Describe this (2) Give an example of this.(3)
- Graded influences (cohort effects). 2. Environmental influences similar to those born in the same time and place 3. (e.g., technology)
What are sociocultural graded influences? Give an example of this.
- Environmental effects related to culture factors at a particular time
- The black lives matter influences
What are non-normative life events?
individual events which affect life in an irreversible way
Can non-normative influences be graded?
No - they are unique to the individual
Who was the pioneer in the normal descriptive approach? What did he see development as?
Arnold Gesell - saw development as predetermined due to genetic endowment.
What is the normative - descripritve approach?
Describes normals behaviour characteristics at different ages.
In the normative descriptive approach, what is seen to support maturation, but not have a strong influence on it?
Environment
What are neo-piagetian approaches?
Modern adaptations of Piaget’s stage theory
What are (3) aspects of Piaget’s somewhat outdated cognitive theory?
- most influential
- stage theory
- child seen as active learner
What was Freuds psychoanalytic theory comprised of (3 points):
- Id
- Ego
- Superego
What are defence mechanisms according to Freud?
Unconscious distortions of reality that keep conflicts from the ego’s conscious awareness.
What is Erikson’s psychosocial theory? What types of factors were these influenced by?
- Based on Freud
Stages of “crises” leading to a healthy personality - Biological, physical, social, cultural and historic factors.
What was Pavlov’s theory of behavioural learning?
Classical conditioning
What was Watson’s theory of behavioural learning?
Learning theory (conditioned behaviours and emotions)
What was Skinner’s theory of behavioural learning?
Operant conditioning (shaped by reward and punishment)
What was the difference in Albert Bandura’s social - cognitive theory in comparison to Skinners? (3)
- Important role of observational learning
- Can learn from observation alone
- Works best when consequences of behaviour are valued (you get praised for using toilet and not going in your pants).
What is the ethological theory?
Aims to see how response patterns in childhood lead to patterns in adulthood. Imprinting.
What are 2 contextual developmental theories?
- Brofenbrenner’s ecological systems theory
2. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
What is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory?
The child develops with a complex system of interrelated contexts, plus the time passing. (microsystem, mesosystem, etc)
What is Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory?
Cognitive development is the result of social interactions.
What is Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development in his sociocultural theory?
You learn best in those within your zone of proximal development (Those within your range of knowledge)
What is scaffolding in the zone of proximal development, in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory?
Assistance offered by others to help child access abilities to move up to the next level of knowledge.
Vygotsky did not deny the influence of biology, but focused on what?
The role of culture in development
What is the newer approach, dynamic systems theory of development?
Child is part of a dynamic integrated system:mind, body, physical and social environment.
In regard to the newer, dynamic systems approach of development, what happens if there is changes in one part of the system?
Leads to disruption. Need for more complex behaviours.
