Chapter 3a - Developmental Psychology's Major Issues

The textbook asks whether some of the similarities between identical twins may be explained by shared experiences rather than shared genes. The textbook's question BEST reflects developmental psychology's major issue of:

Nature and nurture

Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children that are the result of a pregnant woman's heavy drinking is known as fetal ______ syndrome.

alcohol

A study that compares people of different ages at the same point in time is a(n) _____ study.

cross-sectional

During adulthood, cognitive challenges, exercise, and nutrition can affect the molecules that trigger or block genetic expression. These molecules are called:

epigenetic marks

Beginning in 1971, the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth tracked 5000 exceptionally gifted people for 45 years, from childhood into adulthood. This is an example of a(n) ____ study.

longitudinal

When Mrs. Perez touched her newborn's lips, he produced an automatic response called the ______ reflex.

sucking

Dr. Joachim warned a pregnant patient that her recreational use of a particular drug might cause harm to her fetus. The drug would be classified as:

a teratogen

Dr. Murphy studies a group of schoolchildren and follows their progress through college. Dr. Murphy is MOST likely a _____ psychologist.

developmental

_____ psychology examines growth and change in physical, cognitive, and social areas across the life span.

developmental

Every time Mrs. Thomas touches her baby's left cheek, the baby turns that cheek toward her mother and opens her mouth. The reflex that is triggered by the mother's touch is known as the ______ reflex.

rooting