AP Psychology: Lifespan Development

Developmental Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

Nature vs. Nurture

A major issue in developmental psychology that examines the relative impact of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on development.

Continuity vs. Stages

A debate regarding whether development is a gradual, continuous process or a series of distinct stages.

Stability vs. Change

A discussion on whether our personal traits remain stable across a lifetime or change.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that forms when a sperm unites with an ovum; lasts for about two weeks.

Embryo

The developing human organism from about two weeks after conception to eight weeks.

Fetus

The developing human organism from nine weeks after conception to birth.

Teratogens

Agents that can cause harm to the embryo or fetus during prenatal development.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A set of physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking.

Reflexes

Unlearned, automatic responses to sensory stimuli that aid survival in newborns.

Habituation

Decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation.

Schemas

Concepts or frameworks that organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

Interpreting new experiences in terms of existing schemas.

Accommodation

Adapting current understandings (schemas) to incorporate new information.

Object Permanence

The awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived.

Egocentrism

The inability to take another's point of view, typical in the preoperational stage.

Conservation

The principle that mass, volume, and number remain the same despite changes in object forms.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks a child can perform with help but cannot yet perform independently.

Scaffolding

Temporary support given to a learner by a teacher or parent.

Attachment

An emotional tie with another person.

Contact Comfort

The importance of physical touch and closeness in forming attachments.

Imprinting

A rigid attachment process observed in certain birds during a critical period.

Secure Attachment

Distress when a caregiver leaves and seeks contact upon return.

Authoritarian Parenting

A style characterized by high expectations and low responsiveness.

Authoritative Parenting

A style that is demanding but responsive, characterized by open communication.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage in Erikson's model, determining if needs are dependably met.

Preconventional Morality

Morality based on self-interest; following rules to avoid punishment or gain rewards.

Postconventional Morality

Morality based on abstract principles and agreed-upon rights.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to reason quickly and abstractly, which tends to decrease with age.

Crystallized Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and verbal skills that tend to remain stable or increase with age.