Developmental Psychology
study of change from conception to death
Cross sectional study
method of studying developmental changes by comparing people of different ages at the same time
Longitudal development
metho of evaluating the same person throughout their life
Zygote
single cell organism from fertilization
Cohort effects
historical events experienced at the same time that can influence behavior
Biographical/retrospective study
method of studying change by reconstructing an individuals memory through interview
Germinal Stage
first two weeks of development, initial cell division, zygote implant on uteran wall, placenta forms
Placenta
oxygen and waste transporting organ for the baby
Embryonic stage
week 2-2 months, most rapid development, vital organs form, inch long embryo
Fetal Stage
2 months - birth, fetus can move, muscles, organs, and bones continue to develop, hearing comes online, viability at 22 weeks
Temperament
characteristic pattern of of emotional reactions and emotional self regulations
Teratogens
toxic substances that cross placenta and cause birth defects
critical period
when internal and external influences have a major effect on development
fetal alcohol syndrome
characterized by facial deformities, heart defects, stunted growth, brain damage
Perceptual Ability of infants
can see objects about 8-10 inches away, by 6 months they have full vision
Depth Perception
ability to see world in 3D
Neurological development of infants
in early years, dendrites and myelin are growing rapidly
Physical and Motor development of infants
birth weight doubled by 4 months, tripled by 1 year, infants are gaining motor skills
developmental norms
avg age when skills are developed
Piaget
most influential cognitive theorist, noticed kids go through stages of development
Piaget Stage 1
sensory motor, birth-2 years, object permanence is developed as well as ability to from mental representation
Piaget Stage 2
Pre-operational, 2 years-7 years, kids are fully able to use mental representations
Piaget Stage 3
Concrete Operational, 7-11 years individual can attend to more than one thing at a time and understand someone else’s point of view
Piaget Stage 4
Formal operational, 11 years or older, individual can use abstract thought
