09 Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan Free Online FlashCards

What does developmental psychology study?

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how people change and remain stable from conception through death.

What occurs during the germinal period?

The germinal period lasts from conception to about 2 weeks, when the zygote divides, travels toward the uterus, and implants in the uterine lining.

What is object permanence?

Object permanence is the understanding that an object continues to exist even when it cannot be seen.

What is characteristic of the preoperational stage?

In Piaget’s preoperational stage, children use symbols and language but may struggle with logical operations, conservation, and taking another person’s perspective.

What is formal operational thought?

Formal operational thought involves reasoning about abstract ideas, hypothetical situations, principles, and possibilities, with more systematic hypothesis testing.

What is Erikson’s adolescent psychosocial conflict?

Erikson’s adolescent conflict is identity versus role confusion. Exploration of values, relationships, occupations, beliefs, and possible futures can support a coherent identity.

What is generativity?

Generativity involves contributing to future generations through parenting, mentoring, work, creativity, civic participation, or service.

How do fluid and crystallized intelligence differ?

Fluid intelligence is the ability to solve new problems quickly, whereas crystallized intelligence is knowledge and skill acquired through experience.

What is scaffolding in Vygotsky’s theory?

Scaffolding is temporary support—such as hints, demonstrations, questions, or feedback—that is gradually removed as the learner becomes more competent.

What are the three domains of development?

Physical development concerns the body and motor abilities; cognitive development concerns thinking and learning; psychosocial development concerns emotions, identity, relationships, and social behavior.

How do nature and nurture shape development?

Development reflects the interaction of nature, including genes and maturation, with nurture, including family, culture, education, nutrition, and relationships.

What are teratogens?

Teratogens are harmful environmental influences, such as alcohol, some drugs, certain infections, toxic chemicals, severe malnutrition, and uncontrolled maternal illness.