Psych 101 (Intro to Psych) Ch. 3 Developing through the Life Span

What findings in psychology support (1) the stage theory of development and (2) the idea of stability in personality across the life span?

(1) Stage theory is supported by the work of Piaget (cognitive development), Kohlberg (moral development), and Erikson (psychosocial development). (2) Some traits, such as temperament, do exhibit remarkable stability across many years. But we do change in other ways, such as in our social attitudes.

fetus

-"offspring" or "young one" -9 weeks to birth -the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth.

embryo:

-2 weeks to 8 weeks -the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month.

schema:

-a concept or framework that organizes and interprets information. -concepts or mental molds into which we pour our experiences.

autism spectrum disorder (ASD):

-a disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by significant deficiencies in communication and social interaction, and by rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors. -difficulty reading and remembering other people's thoughts and feelings

temperament:

-a person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity. -genetically influenced -Anxious, inhibited infants have high and variable heart rates. They become very aroused when facing new or strange situations

DNA

-deoxyribonucleic acid -a molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes

zygote

-fertilized egg -conception to 2 weeks -it enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo -Detection of two heartbeats reveals that the zygote, during its early days of development, has split into two (twins).

genes

-the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes -can be active (expressed) or inactive -segments of DNA

epigenetics

-the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change. -nature-nurture meeting place -"in addition to" or "above and beyond" genetics -studies how the environment can cause genes to become either active (expressed) or inactive (not expressed).

placenta

-transfers nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus, -screens out many harmful substances. But some slip by

identical (monozygotic) twins:

-twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical siblings. -nature's own human clones

fraternal (dizygotic) twins:

-twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than nontwin brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment. -they share the same prenatal environment but not the same genes. Genetically, they are no more similar than nontwin brothers and sisters.

Match each developmental ability (1-6) to the correct cognitive developmental stage (a-d). Sensorimotor Preoperational Concrete operational Formal operational Thinking about abstract concepts, such as "freedom." Enjoying imaginary play (such as dress-up). Understanding that physical properties stay the same even when objects change form. Having the ability to reverse math operations. Understanding that something is not gone for good when it disappears from sight, as when Mom "disappears" behind the shower curtain. Having difficulty taking another's point of view (as when blocking someone's view of the TV).

1. d, 2. b, 3. c, 4. c, 5. a, 6. b

A typical fetus will be _____ times larger at 38 weeks than it was at 9 weeks. 40 30 20 10

20

2. About _____ million sperm cells are released in a typical ejaculation. 100 to 200 200 to 400 400 to 800 50 to 100

200 to 400

Birth typically occurs _____ weeks after conception. 36 40 38 42

38

The cardiovascular system is functioning by the end of week: 10 6 4 8

4

A typical labor lasts about: 8 to 12 hours. 11 to 14 hours. 5 to 9 hours. 3 to 7 hours.

8 to 12 hours.

The fetal phase is reached at _____ weeks after conception. 9 7 10 8

9

Chromosomes are composed of _____, which are composed of _____. DNA; genes genomes; genes DNA; genomes genes; DNA

DNA; genes

____ are the biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes.

Genes

_____ can influence development, but the environment can switch genes on or off.

Genes

nature and nurture

How does our genetic inheritance (our nature) interact with our experiences (our nurture) to influence our development?

____ requires both stability and change.

Life

____ (nature) sets the basic course of development; ____ (nurture) adjusts it.

Maturation; experience

Meena and several classmates are participating in a debate concerning continuity versus stages in development. Meena's task is to support stage theories. Which of the following points is Meena LEAST likely to make in the debate? Stage theories have an influential legacy in developmental psychology. Most contemporary developmental psychologists are stage theorists. Stage theories are broadly supported by the timing of the brain's growth spurts during childhood and adolescence. Stage theories help psychologists focus their attention on specific points in the lifespan.

Most contemporary developmental psychologists are stage theorists.

Object permanence, pretend play, conservation, and abstract logic are developmental milestones for which of Piaget's stages, respectively?

Object permanence for the sensorimotor stage, pretend play for the preoperational stage, conservation for the concrete operational stage, and abstract logic for the formal operational stage.

Nature and nurture interact.

Our genetically influenced traits affect how others respond. And vice versa, our environments trigger gene activity.

The human brain does experience growth spurts during childhood and puberty that correspond roughly to ____ stages

Piaget's

____ increasingly marks our personality as we age and gives us our identity.

Stability

Now that you have viewed the entire sequence of prenatal development, what do you think are the most important themes of development during these 38 weeks?

The growth from zygote, to embryo and then fetus. (1) growth in body size, from a single cell to a full-size baby; (2) shift in proportions, as the lower portion of the body begins to catch up with the early development of the head; and (3) functional development of the various organ systems, as each system gradually begins working and then becomes more efficient as the fetus reaches viability and then prepares for birth.

Continuity and stages:

What parts of development are gradual and continuous, like riding an escalator? What parts change abruptly in separate stages, like climbing rungs on a ladder?

Stability and change:

Which of our traits persist through life? How do we change as we age?

developmental psychology:

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span with a focus on three major issues (nature and nurture; continuity and stages; stability and change)

critical period:

a period early in life when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences is needed for proper development.

reflex:

a simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus.

Of the 200 to 400 million sperm cells released in a typical ejaculation, how many do you think will reach the ovum? about 100 about 3000 about 300,000 about one million

about 100 A mere 50-200 sperm cells make it to the ovum in a typical ejaculation. As the sperm cells cluster around the ovum, one may eventually penetrate the ovum's membrane and enter the ovum, beginning a process known as fertilization. During fertilization, the genetic material contained in the sperm cell's nucleus (the 23 single chromosomes from the father) combines with the genetic material in the nucleus of the ovum (the 23 chromosomes from the mother). The chromosomes rearrange themselves to produce a complete set of 46 chromosomes within its own package of DNA—the genetic instructions that describe a new, unique human being. This new cell (the fertilized ovum) is called a zygote.

accommodation:

adapting our current understandings (schemas) to incorporate new information.

cognition:

all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

teratogen: [tuh-RAT-uh-jen]

an agent, such as a chemical or virus, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.

Last to develop were your ____ areas—those linked with thinking, memory, and language.

association

maturation:

biological growth processes leading to orderly changes in behavior, mostly independent of experience.

At about four days after conception, the cell mass develops a hollow center and is called a: fetus embryo zygote blastocyst

blastocyst

The rapid development of the ____ (at the back of the brain) helps create our eagerness to walk at about age 1.

cerebellum;

Put the following cell structures in order from largest to smallest: DNA, chromosome, gene.

chromosome, DNA, gene

Contained in the nucleus of each cell in your body are ____. Each ____contains a coiled chain of the molecule ____. ____ are DNA segments that, when expressed (turned on), direct the production of proteins and influence our individual biological development.

chromosomes;chromosome;DNA;Genes

Preemies who have had skin-to-skin contact with their mothers sleep better, experience less stress, and show better ____ development 10 years later

cognitive

During adulthood, the trait of _____ tends to increase in one's 20s, whereas the trait of _____ tends to increase later, in one's 30s. agreeableness; conscientiousness neuroticism; agreeableness conscientiousness; neuroticism conscientiousness; agreeableness

conscientiousness; agreeableness

Mark thinks that language development over the life span requires a slow but steady shaping process. His belief is MOST directly relevant to the issue of: continuity and stages stability and change nature and nurture free will and determinism

continuity and stages

Developmental researchers who emphasize learning and experience are supporting _______; those who emphasize biological maturation are supporting _______.

continuity; stages

Dr. Grove studies how obesity rates change from childhood through old age. Dr. Grove is MOST likely a _____ psychologist. cognitive clinical behavioral developmental

developmental

Marjorie has just completed an introductory course in psychology at a local community college. She would like to take another psychology course next semester. The college offers courses in developmental psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. Marjorie is especially interested in change and growth across the lifespan. Based on this information, Marjorie should consider the course in _____ psychology MOST strongly. industrial-organizational social developmental personality

developmental

It is now six weeks since Jennifer conceived. At this point, the human organism she is carrying is called a(n) ______; at the third month it will be called a(n) ______. zygote; fetus embryo; zygote embryo; fetus fetus; embryo

embryo; fetus

Each organ system begins to form during the _____ phase of development. embryonic fetal zygote germinal

embryonic

Ashley contracted rubella while she was pregnant. Her unborn child is most likely to be affected if it is in the _____ of development. fetal phase embryonic phase germinal phase blastocyst phase

embryonic phase

The molecules that trigger or block genetic expression are called ____ ____.

epigenetic marks

When Tara states that she is fascinated by the way the environment affects the expression of genetic characteristics, Dan suggests she explore the field of: epigenetics. biopsychology. developmental psychology. genetics.

epigenetics.

environment

every external influence, from prenatal nutrition to social support in later life.

All organ systems except the sex organs are present, though not functional, at the beginning of the _____ phase of development. embryonic fetal germinal zygote

fetal

From ages 3 to 6, the most rapid brain growth was in your ____ lobes, the seat of reasoning and planning

frontal

Traits such as intelligence, happiness, and aggressiveness are similarly influenced by a whole orchestra of ____.

genes

The textbook refers to the nature-versus-nature issue as a debate regarding: mind and body. stability and change. genes and experience. continuity and stages.

genes and experience.

Most of our traits are influenced by many ____.

genes.

It is our shared genetic profile—our human ____—that makes us humans, rather than chimpanzees, bananas, or tulips.

genome

The first two weeks after conception are referred to as the ______ phase of development. fetal embryonic germinal zygote

germinal

What do developmental psychologists seek to understand? the enduring traits that distinguish one person from another growth and change across the lifespan the connections between the body on the one hand, and thought and behavior on the other thought and behavior in the workplace

growth and change across the lifespan

On the day you were born, you had most of the brain cells you would ever have. However, the wiring among these cells—your nervous system—was ____

immature

egocentrism:

in Piaget's theory, the preoperational child's difficulty taking another's point of view.

preoperational stage:

in Piaget's theory, the stage (from about 2 to 6 or 7 years of age) in which a child learns to use language but cannot yet perform the mental operations of concrete logic.

sensorimotor stage:

in Piaget's theory, the stage (from birth to nearly 2 years of age) during which infants know the world mostly in terms of their sensory impressions and motor activities.

concrete operational stage:

in Piaget's theory, the stage of cognitive development (from about 7 to 11 years of age) during which children gain the mental operations that enable them to think logically about concrete events.

formal operational stage:

in Piaget's theory, the stage of cognitive development (normally beginning about age 12) during which people begin to think logically about abstract concepts.

Conscientiousness ____ especially during the twenties, and agreeableness during the thirties

increases

We are not formed by either nature or nurture, but by the____ between them. Biological, psychological, and social-cultural forces interact.

interaction

assimilation:

interpreting our new experiences in terms of our existing schemas.

Regardless of our culture, we humans share the same ____ ____.

life cycle.

The biological growth process, called _______, explains why most children begin walking by about 12 to 15 months.

maturation

Within days after birth, our brain has picked up and stored the smell of our ____ ____

mother's body

Developmental researchers who consider how biological, psychological, and social-cultural forces interact are focusing on _______ and _______.

nature; nurture

What the conscious mind does not know and cannot express in words, the ____ ____ and our two-track mind somehow remembers.

nervous system

At the beginning of the fetal phase of development, the fetus is about: half an inch long. two inches long. three inches long. one inch long.

one inch long.

theory of mind:

people's ideas about their own and others' mental states—about their feelings, perceptions, and thoughts, and the behaviors these might predict.

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS):

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.

Some traits, such as ____ attitudes, are much less stable than temperament, especially during the impressionable late adolescent years

social

Nature and nurture interact to sculpt our ____.

synapses.

Some of our characteristics, such as ____ (____ ____), are very stable

temperament (emotional excitability)

object permanence:

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

The germinal phase ends when: the blastocyst exits the fallopian tubes. the blastocyst is formed. the blastocyst consists of more than 4000 cells. the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

genome

the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes

The developing organism is particularly vulnerable during the _____ because this is when the distinct organ systems are being formed. the embryonic phase the blastocyst phase the fetal phase the germinal phase

the embryonic phase

What phase of development gets its name from the Greek word for "swelling"? the embryonic phase. the blastocyst phase. the fetal phase. the germinal phase.

the embryonic phase.

heredity

the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring

interaction

the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

The outer mass surrounding the embryo becomes: the spinal cord the digestive system the brain the placenta

the placenta

conservation:

the principle (which Piaget believed to be a part of concrete operational reasoning) that properties such as mass, volume, and number remain the same despite changes in shapes.

chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

About 10 days after conception, the zygote attaches to the wall of the mother's ____

uterus.

The embryonic phase of development lasts from about _____ after conception. weeks 1 through 7 weeks 4 through 9 weeks 5 through 11 weeks 3 through 8

weeks 3 through 8

The first two weeks of prenatal development is the period of the _______. The period of the _______ lasts from 9 weeks after conception until birth. The time between those two prenatal periods is considered the period of the _______.

zygote; fetus; embryo