Studies physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan

nature/nurture continuity/stages stability/change

The fertilized egg; enters a 2 week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo

the developing human organism from 2 weeks through 2nd month

The developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth

during the prenatal period, the head develops more rapidly than the lower part of the body

an organized pattern of physical growth and motor control that proceeds from the center of the body outward

development that reflects the gradual unfolding of one's genetic blueprint (severe deprivation or abuse can effect maturation)

an optimal period early in the life of an organism when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences produces normal development

Infant's clinging response to a touch on the palm of their hand

Infant's response in turning toward the source of touching anywhere around their mouth

Flinching when falling backward

Foot fanning with the toes spreading

agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm

Physical and mental abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking. In severe cases, signs include a small, out-of-proportion head and abnormal facial features.

Emotional ties that form between people; especially between babies and their parents

By about 8 months, infants develop a fear of strangers; cry when they see them and grasp for the parent

Around 8 months , child begins to cry when the parent leaves

Psychologists who conducted the experiment with Rhesus Monkeys and Contact Comfort

Animals and people prefer the sense of touch in strange situations over food

Process by which some animals form immediate attachments during a critical period

Psychologists who imprinted baby ducks to himself

Children feel protected and trust their parents (parent leaves, upon return, kids are happy)

Children show anxiety or avoidance of trusting relationships (parent leaves, upon return, kids still unhappy)

Psychologists who worked with cognitive development in kids and found that children's thinking develops in 4 stages

Stage 1 of Cognitive Development: experience the world through senses and actions (looking, hearing, touching, mouthing, and grasping) 0-2 years

Understanding that an object exists even when they can't be seen or touched (after 12 months)

Stage 2 of cognitive development; child begins to use language and symbols, mental imagination, egocentrism. (2-6 years)

inability to see another person's point of view

Quantity of substances remain the same despite changes in their shape or arrangement (kids don't get this; some high school kids still don't)

Begin to learn law of conservation, multi-dimensional thinking, less egocentric, elementary math, 6-12 years

Abstract and hypothetical thinking (geometry), can think of several different approaches to solving problems, examines the future, personal values.... 12-adulthood

Piaget believed the process by which new information is placed into preexisting categories or schema

Piaget believed the process of adjusting existing ways of thinking or schema to understand new information

these parents impose rules and expect obedience. Their kids ten to be less social and lack self-esteem

these parents submit to their children's desires and make few demands and use little punishment. Their kids tend to be more aggressive and immature

these parents are both demanding and responsive. They set rules but also encourage open discussion. Their children have self-esteem, self reliant, and competent

Psychologist who related to children's MORAL REASONING (came up with the Heinz Dilemma)

scenario in which a man's wife was near death from a cancer. A pharmacist in community had the cure but was selling it for crazy high amount to benefit himself.

the transition period from childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence

Period of sexual maturation, when a person becomes capable of reproducing

characteristics that are directly involved in reproduction

characteristics that distinguish males from females, but not in reproduction

Psychologists who believed that humans go through 8 stages and in each stage there is a challenge that must be mastered in order for healthy development to continue

culturally preferred timing of events- marriage, parenthood, retirement

Serious loss of cognitive functioning after age 65

Degenerative brain disorder that causes memory loss, disorientation, mental helplessness

End of menstruation for women around late 40s and early 50s

Belief that life is meaningful and worthwhile even when physical abilities are not what they used to be

Prejudice against senior citizens