Psych-Module 11 (Prenatal, Newborn, and Infant Development)

cross-sectional studies

research that compares people of different ages at the same point in time

longitudinal studies

research that follows and retests the same people over time

fetus

the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth (9-40 weeks)

embryo

the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month (2-8 weeks)

Zygotes

the fertilized egg; it enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo (conception to 2 weeks)

Placenta

transfers nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus and filters harmful substances from reaching the embryo or fetus (only in females who are pregnant)

stem cells

unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves for long periods of time by cell division

conception

when a woman's ovary releases a mature egg and one of millions deposited sperm cells penetrates its wall

Root reflex

when baby's cheek is rubbed, it will automatically turn toward the stimuli. (involved in sucking and rooting for the nipple)

Although not yet aware of her pregnancy, Mrs. Enriquez has conceived a single cell from the union of an egg cell and a sperm cell. This single cell is called a(n):

zygote

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

(Caused by drinking alcohol while pregnant) is marked by a small, misproportioned head, with unusual facial features and lifelong brain abnormalities.

One's parents contribute roughly _____ genes to the egg that becomes a unique person, namely, oneself.

20,000

Brain Maturation (6-13 yrs.)

Association areas proliferate, enriching thinking, memory, language and reading skills

Brain Maturation (Birth to 3 yrs.)

Branching neural networks enable walking, talking, and remembering

In grade school, Jessica thought boys had cooties and refused to be within inches of them. Now in high school, she flirts with boys and is anticipating dancing close with some of them at an upcoming dance. Her attitude toward boys represents the _____ side of the _____ developmental issue

Change; stability and change

Brain Maturation (3-6yrs)

Frontal lobes develop, enabling rational planning

Nature and Nurture

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

Moro Reflex

Infant reflex where a baby will startle in response to a loud sound or sudden movement.

Month 4 of pregnancy

Quickening occurs and hearing begins

Babinski reflex

Reflex in which a newborn fans out the toes when the sole of the foot is touched

involusion

The clump of cells fold in half forming a division between the outside and inside of the body. (Cells on inside are not going to become an arm.)

Continuity and stages

What parts of development are gradual and continuous? What parts change abruptly in separate stages?

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

Teratogens

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

2 main contributors to growth of life expectancy

antibiotics (medicine), sewage (toilet)

Life Expectancy

average number of years lived by the population in a given historical time period. (Average age of death for ALL)

Month 6 of pregnancy

brain cells are in place and growing in size and complexity

Mitosis

cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes

Habituation

decreasing responsiveness with repeated stimulation. As infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure to a visual stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner.

It is now 6 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) _____.

embryo; fetus

Developmental psychologists seek to understand:

growth and change across the life span

Reflexes

involuntary responses, ideally suited for survival

Laney is investigating early language acquisition. She selects a group of 6-month-old babies, and then assesses them every 3 months until they are 2 years old. Laney is using a _____ research design.

longitudinal

Lifespan

number of years an individual may live at any given time. Max poss. (125)

Month 6-9 of pregnancy

rapid brain and body growth, lung development, nerve insulation