- Describe the stages of human development in the prenatal period.
2) The Embryonic Period:
Begins after the blastocyst implants in the uterine wall, lasts about 8 weeks, embryo consists of hundreds of cells. Trophoblast layer transforms into two parts. The developing embryo resides in the first part - the amniotic sac, which is filled with fluid which maintains a constant environment for the embryo. - the second part - the placenta, attaches to the inside of the amniotic sac and the umbilical cord. The placenta acts as a filter and protective barrier. The embryo will now develop most of its organs, it’s arms and legs and begin to respond to sensory stimulation, sexual differentiation begins.
- Describe the stages of human development in the prenatal period.
1) Germinal Period
Lasts until about 8-10 days after conception. The zygote cell divides multiple times, creating numerous identical cells. Division occurred through a process called cleavage, result is a spherical mass of cells. (Morula)
- Describe the stages of human development in the prenatal period.
3) Foetal Period (eight points)
- Final period of prenatal development. - Continues from the ninth week after conception until birth.
- The foetus weighs only 30 grams and is 4 cm long
- The majority of organ growth is complete a month later
- As early as 10 weeks the foetus begins to make breathing like motions
- Sleep and wake patterns in marriage at the end of the fourth month
- During the fifth month, the vestibular system, which is required for a sense of balance, begins to develop.
- Around this time the foetus also becomes responsive to sound.
- Describe how environment affects the developing child’s behavior and mental processes.
Culture and geo graphical location affect how quickly the child develops motor and mental skills.
Nutrition and stimulation can affect how quickly a child develops.
(Cultural needs, nutrition, social class, geographical location, physical demands.)
social learning theory (behaviour, environment and cognition as key factors in development) and reciprocal determinism (behaviour is influenced by and influences attitudes, behaviors and environments.)
- Describe the stages of human development.
A) Reflexes:
Presence of strong reflexes at birth is not only important for infant survival but is a good indicator of typical neural development. - from instinctive to intentional to goal oriented
- Describe the stages of human development.
B) Motor Milestones:
Begins with movements by developing foetus and continues to progress into adulthood. Infants need to overcome many obstacles as they slowly gain greater control over their bodies.
- Describe the stages of human development.
C) Growing the brain:
As infants grow into children, they experience tremendous growth in the quality and complexity of their behaviors. Similarly, adolescents and adults show impressive levels of brain micturition and change.
- Compare and contrast development across different stages of life.
A) Infancy and childhood compared to adulthood.
Usually much more development as an infant/child than as an adult but you develop constantly throughout life.
- Compare and contrast development across different stages of life.
B) The brain at 20
Even at 20 some areas of the brain are still undergoing change, particularly in the frontal lobe.
- Compare and contrast development across different stages of life.
C) fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence and age
With age the ability to use fluid intelligence decreases, while crystallized intelligence stays the same or even increases. Fluid intelligence is our ability to reason abstractly, crystallized intelligence refers to our accumulation of information.
- Identify the barriers of typical development for each stage.
A) Stress
High levels during pregnancy have been associated with premature delivery and low birth rate.
- Identify the barriers of typical development for each stage.
B) Malnutrition:
The brain defects
- Identify the barriers of typical development for each stage.
C) Teratogens:
External compounds that can cause deviation from typical development is introduced to the developing organism. For example: alcohol, tobacco, drugs.
- Explain the functional significance of the timing of development. (Critical periods)
There are critical periods for development that if they are missed can never be recovered. For example language.
A critical period that acquires a particular developmental mental skill that is indispensable in a lifespan of a person which can influence the later development.
- Summarize Ericksons psychological development stages.
A) Identify, and stage 1
Erikson viewed lifespan development as a series of stages defined by resolutions to “crises” faced by the developing child. He also recognized that conflict with one’s social and physical environments continues into adulthood.
Stage one: trust and mistrust - birth until one year. If infants needs are not met by others then infants learn to trust their caregivers, if not they learn to mistrust.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
Stage 2) Autonomy versus shame/doubt:
1 to 3 years. Children’s ability to interact with and understand the world increases dramatically. Children will either gain a sense of autonomy or a sense of shame and self doubt.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
C) Stage 3 - Initiative vs guilt
3/4-5/6 years. Children begin to set course. A positive resolution to their goals leads to confidence while a negative one leads to guilt.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
D) Stage 4. Industry vs Inferiority
5/6 till adolescence. This time is marked by transition to a more structured life. Children will either adapt and feel accomplished or feel inferior due to their inability to do so.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
E) Stage 5. Identity versus role confusion
Adolescence to early adult. People either form opinions about what they believe themselves to be and develop a concrete sense of identity or a fail to do so and remain confused about their role in life.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
F) Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation
Early adulthood. People learn to share them selves with others. If they learn they successfully, they achieve feelings of intimacy. Failure to learn this leads to a sense of isolation.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
G) Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation
Middle adulthood. People may develop meaningful relationships and continue valuable work leaving them with a sense of a meaningful life. Others may isolate themselves, leading to a feeling of boredom and meaninglessness.
- Summarize Erikson’s psychological development stages.
H) Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair
Late adulthood to death. After positive resolutions to the earlier stages, a person feels a sense of completion and wholeness. Those who have not felt positive resolutions to earlier goals may experience a sense of despair or lack of meaning in their lives.
