Devpsy Prelims
Devpsy Prelims
CHAPTER 1: THE STUDY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Environment – physical and social influence.
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• Low SES and Related Risk Factors • Social – timing is flexible (Ex. Marriage,
❖Poverty – related risk that increase chance of Parenthood)
negative outcomes include:
➢ living in neighbourhoods with high 2. Normative History-Graded Influences – events
unemployment that shape attitudes of a historical generation.
➢ lack of social support (less likely in high- • Historical Generation – a group that
unemployment neighbourhoods) experiences an event at a formative time.
• Cohort – group born around the same time.
3. Culture ** A historical generation can have many
- that complex whole which includes knowledge, cohorts. **
belief, arts, morals, laws, customs, and any other
capabilities, and habits acquired by mas as a new 3. Non-Normative Influences – unusual events
member of society. affecting individual lives.
- a way of life • Typical events at atypical times (Ex. Puberty
- learned behavior, passed on members of a social at age 20, marriage in teens)
group • Atypical events (Ex. Birth defect, winning the
- includes: lottery)
• customs • artwork
• traditions • practices Timing of Influences
1. Imprinting
4. Race and Ethnicity - instinctively following first moving object seen after
• Ethnic Group birth; usually mother
- a shared identity - Konrad Lorenz and his ducklings
- united by ancestry, religion, or origin - indicates predisposition or readiness to learn
- contributes to shared attitudes and beliefs
2. Critical Period – specific time when an event (or
• Race its absence) has specific impact on development.
- a socially constructed term
- scholars have no real consensus on definition 3. Sensitive Period – development timing when child
- categories “fluid” – shaped by society and is particularly responsive to certain experiences.
politics
4. Plasticity of Development
• Ethnic Gloss – overgeneralization that obscures - modifiability of performance
cultural differences with a group. (e.g. “Black” - plasticity last through life-span, but has limits
or “Hispanic”)
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elicit a response with another stimulus that does Reciprocal Determinism – person acts on world as
elicit the response. the world acts on the person.
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Cognitive Stages - levels of reasoning: pre-conventional,
Stage Age Description conventional, post-conventional
Infant gradually - 6 stages
becomes able to
organize activities in Children obey because
Birth to 2
Sensorimotor relation to the Stage 1 adults tell them to obey.
years
environment Heteronomous People base their moral
through sensory and Morality decisions on fear of
motor activity. Level punishment.
Development of 1 Individuals pursue their
Stage 2
representational own interests but let
Individualism,
system and symbols others do the same.
Purpose, and,
to represent What is right involves
Language
people, places, and equal exchange.
Pre- 2 to 7
events. Language Stage 3
operational years
and imaginative Mutual
play are important Interpersonal Individuals value trust,
manifestation of this Expectations, caring, and loyalty to
stage. Thinking is still Relationship others as a basis for
not logical. and moral judgments.
Level
Child can solve Interpersonal
2
Concrete 7 to 11 problems logically Conformity
Operations years but cannot think Moral judgments are
abstractly. Stage 4 based on
Person can think Social System understanding and the
11 years abstractly, deal with Morality social order, law, justice,
Formal
to hypothetical and duty.
Operation
Adulthood situations and think Stage 5
about possibilities. Social Individuals reason that
Contract or values, rights, and
Sociocultural Theory Utility and principles undergird or
- Lev Vygotsky Individual transcend the law.
Level
- stresses children’s active interaction with social Rights
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environments The person has
Stage 6
• Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – the gap developed moral
Universal
between what children are already able to do judgments that are
Ethical
and what they are not quite ready to based on universal
Principles
accomplish by themselves. human rights.
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3. Describes range of interacting influences that Random Selection – each person in population has
affect development. an equal chance of being in sample
4. Identifies contexts that stifle or promote growth.
(Ex. Home, classroom, neighbourhood) Data Collection: Self-Reports
1. Diaries – recording daily activities
Bronfenbrenner’s Five Contextual Systems 2. Interviews
1. Microsystem – the developing person, age, - ask questions about attitudes, opinions, or
health, abilities, temperament. behavior
2. Mesosystem – interaction of any two - can be open-ended or a questionnaire
microsystem.
3. Exosystem – religious hierarchy 3. People Watching
4. Macrosystem – dominant beliefs and ideologies 4. Laboratory Observation
5. Chronosystem – patterning of environmental
events and transitions over the life course; impact of Behavioral and Performance Measures
socio-historical conditions and life events. 1. Objective Measures
- mechanical and electronic devices
Dimension of Time – changing personal and socio- - assessing skills, knowledge, and abilities
historical conditions over the life course. ➢ heart rate
➢ brain activity
➢ intelligence tests
RESEARCH METHODS
2. Meaningful Measures
1. Quantitative Research • Reliable – results are consistent from the time.
- objectively measurable data • Valid – the test actually measures what it claims
➢ standardized tests to measure.
➢ physiological changes
Research Design
2. Qualitative Research Type Characteristics Pros Cons
- non-numerical data Case Study Study of Flexibility Reduced
➢ feeling individuals generalizability
➢ beliefs Ethnographic Study of Universality Observer bias
cultures of
phenomena
Scientific Method
Correlational Positive or Enables Cannot
1. Quantitative Research
negative prediction establish
• Identify problem relationship cause and
• Formulate hypotheses effect
• Collect data Experimental Controlled Establishes Reduced
• Analyze data procedures cause and generalizability
• Form conclusions effect
• Share findings
1. Case Studies
Sampling - study of an individual
Sample - offers useful in-depth information
- a smaller group within the population - shortcomings
- studying the entire population is inefficient ➢ not generalizable
➢ no to test conclusions
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2. Ethnographic Studies • Right to privacy
3. Correlational Studies • Confidentiality
Research Designs
Fertilization
1. Cross-sectional – people assessed at one point in
- union of sperm and ovum to produce a single-
time.
celled zygote
- also called conception
2. Longitudinal – same people studies more than
once.
Two Types of Multiple Births
1. Monozygotic (MZ)
3. Sequential
- one egg and one sperm
- complex combination of cross-sectional and
- identical twins
longitudinal
- share 100% of genes
- adds more data than either design alone
- shared placenta
- separate amniotic sacs
ETHICS OF RESEARCH
2. Dizygotic (DZ)
- two eggs and two sperm
Ethics
- more common
- balancing benefits of research against mental
- fraternal twins
and physical risks to participants
- share 50% of genes – just like non-twin siblings
- considerations:
- separate placenta
• Right to informed consent
- separate amniotic sacs
• Avoidance of deception
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Rise in Multiple Birth Rate Trait Inheritance
Factors: Alleles
• Rising trend toward delaying child birth • Homozygous – identical copies of gene
• Increasing use of fertility drugs • Heterozygous – non-identical copies of gene
• Related risks
• Pregnancy complications Gene Expression
1. Genotype
- actual genetic make-up or allele combinations
MECHANISMS OF HEREDITY - Ex. tongue curling ability, DD or Dd
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Down Syndrome Embryonic Stage Characteristics
Trisomy 21 1. Body structures, internal organs
- extra 21st chromosome 2. Three layers of the embryo develop:
- most common autosomal disorder • Ectoderm – hair, outer layer of the skin and the
- responsible for 40% nervous system
• Mesoderm – muscles, bones, and circulatory
Genetic Counseling system
1. Helps prospective parents assess risks of bearing a • Endoderm – lungs and digestive system
child with a genetic defect. 3. The amniotic sac fills with fluid and the umbilical
2. Karyotype chart shows chromosomal cord connects embryo to the placenta.
abnormalities. 4. Umbilical cord’s blood vessels join placenta to
the embryo.
NATURE AND NURTURE: INFLUENCES OF HEREDITY 5. Risk of spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
AND ENVIRONMENT
Amniotic Fluid – cushions the embryo and maintains
Measuring Heritability a constant temperature.
Family Studies – the degree to which biological
relatives share traits. Blood Vessels – allows nutrients, oxygen, vitamins
and waste products to be exchanged between
Adoption Studies – the degree to which adopted mother and embryo.
children resemble biological relatives or adopted
family members. Growth Principle
1. Cephalocaudal Principle – structures nearest the
Twin Studies head develop first.
• Concordance – the degree to which MZ and DZ
twins resemble each other. 2. Proximodistal Principle – structures nearest the
center of the body develop first.
Traits Influences by Heredity and Environment
1. Obesity Fetal Stage Characteristics
2. Intelligence, school achievement 1. The final and longest phase of prenatal
3. Personality development.
4. Schizophrenia 2. Organs and body become more complex.
3. “Finishing touches” – toenails, eyelids
4. Appearance of bone (cartilage begins to turn to
PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT bone)
5. Beginning of the period: less than an ounce.
Stages of Prenatal Development 6. Last 5 months of pregnancy: additional 7 or 8
1. Germinal – conception to 2 weeks pounds before birth.
2. Embryonic – 3 to 8 weeks
3. Fetal – 9 weeks to birth
ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES
Gestation – period from germinal to fetal (38 weeks)
Maternal Factors
Germinal Stage Characteristics Teratogen – birth defect producing agent
Placenta – structure to which nutrients and wastes
are exchanged between the mother and the 1. Nutrition and maternal weight
developing child. 2. Drug and alcohol intake
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3. Nicotine 2. Modern Generation
4. Caffeine - dramatic reductions in death due to:
5. Maternal Illnesses (Ex. Sexually transmitted diseases • antibiotics
like HIV/AIDS) • pre-natal care
6. Maternal age and stress
“Humanizing” Childbirth: A Social Trend
Paternal Factors - home births have brought back intimacy of event
**May affect quality of sperm: - birthing centers and hospitals
• Exposure to lead • soft lights
• Marijuana or tobacco smoke • father or partners as coach
• Alcohol or radiation • baby stays in room
• Pesticides
• Paternal Age
BIRTH PROCESS
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- changing preferences among women and some 7. Post-mature – 42 weeks or more
physicians 8. Stillbirth – death of fetus at or after 20th week of
- common with: gestation.
• first and/or large babies
• older moms Long-Term Outcomes of Low Birth Weight
• mother with previous cesarean sections Greater risk of:
• Neurological and cognitive impairment
Non-Medicated Delivery • Lower academic achievement
1. Natural Childbirth – mother receives training in • Social, behavioural, and attention problems
fitness, breathing, and relaxation.
Overcoming Birth Complications
2. Traditional Cultures – use of doula which is an 1. Higher family socio-economic status (SES)
experienced helper who provides emotional support 2. Quality early environment
to mother 3. Educational day care
4. Educating parents about children’s health
3. Prepared Childbirth
- uses instruction, breathing exercise, and social
support to induce controlled physical response to THE NEWBORN BABY
uterine contractions and reduce fear and pain.
• Lamaze method Size and Appearance
• LeBoyer method 1. Average neonate is 20 in. long and has a weight
• submersion in a soothing pool of water of 7.5 pounds
2. Fontanels – soft plates of head
Medicated Delivery 3. Lanugo – fuzzy prenatal hair
❖ Local or regional anaesthesia which blocks pain 4. Vernix Caseosa – oily protection against infection
receptors in brain. 5. Pinkish cast thin skin
❖ Relaxing analgesic.
❖ Approximately 60% of women choose pain relief Body Systems
during labor (U.S.) 1. Blood circulation, respiration, nourishment,
elimination of waste and temperature regulation.
2. Breathing (hypoxia or anoxia can lead to birth
BIRTH COMPLICATIONS trauma)
3. Meconium – stringy waste in fetal intestinal tract
1. Prolapsed umbilical cord can disrupt the flow of 4. Neonatal Jaundice
blood. • yellowing of skin and eyeballs
• Hypnoxia – oxygen deficiency reaching tissues • caused by immaturity of the liver
• Anoxia – absence or severe deficiency of • half of all babies experience
oxygen reaching tissues • usually baby doesn’t need treatment
2. Premature or preterm
3. Small for date MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
• Low Birth Weight – 2,500 grams (5.5 lbs or less)
• Very Low Birth Weight – less than 1,500 grams (3.3 1. Apgar Scale
lbs) - named after its developer Dr. Virginia Apgar
• Extremely Low Birth Weight – less than 1,000
grams (2.2 lbs) Sign 0 1 2
Blue,
Appearance Body pink Entirely pink
4. Cephalopelvic Disproportion pale
5. Irregular Position Pulse Absent Slow <100 Rapid
6. Preeclampsia – rise of blood pressure of mother.
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Coughing, Crying
Grimace None Grimace sneezing, - first venture into interpersonal communication
crying - newborns spend 2-3 hours per day crying
Activity Limp Weak Strong
Irregular, Good, a. Basic Cry – starts softly and gradually become
Respiration Absent
Slow crying more intense; it usually occurs when a baby is
hungry or tired.
2. Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale b. Mad Cry – more intense version of a basic cry.
- parents, health care providers and researchers c. Pain Cry – sudden, long burst of crying followed
assess neonates’ responsiveness to their physical and by a long pause and gasping.
social environment
- strengths and possible vulnerabilities in neurological
functioning and predict future development EARLY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
- motor organization, reflexes, state changes,
attention and interactive capacities, indications of Principles of Development
CNS. 1. Cephalocaudal Principle (Top down)
- newborn babies head is proportionally large
3. Neonatal Screening Tests - sensory and motor development; infants learn to
- help detect correctable disorders use the upper parts of the body before the lower
• PKU (phenylketonuria) parts
• Galactosemic
• Hypothyroidism 2. Proximodistal Principle (Inner to outer)
- growth and motor development proceed from the
center of the body outward
STATES OF AROUSAL
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Reflexes MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
1. Primitive Reflexes – sucking, rooting for the nipple,
and the Moro reflex Milestones of Motor Development
Age 90% of Children
Skill
2. Postural Reflexes Master
- reactions to changes in position or balance Rolling over 5.4 months
- first 2 to 4 months Grasping rattle 3.9 months
Standing alone 13.7 months
3. Locomotor Reflexes Walking well 14.9 months
- walking and swimming reflexes Building tower of cubes 20.6 months
- resemble voluntary movements that do not appear Copying circle 4 years
until months after the reflexes have disappeared
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
EARLY SENSORY CAPACITIES
Six Approaches of Cognitive Development
1. Touch 1. Behavior Approach
- first sense to develop - babies are born with the ability to learn
- rooting reflex • Classical conditioning
- able to experience pain at birth • Operant conditioning
➢ Reinforcement and punishment
2. Smell and Taste
- begins to develop in womb • Infant Memory
- newborns prefer sweet tastes ➢ Infantile Amnesia – inability to remember
- fluids and odors may be transmitted through events prior to age 3 years.
amniotic fluid
2. Psychometric Approach
3. Hearing - IQ tests
- functional before birth - developmental tests
- 3-day-olds can tell new speechsounds from ones
they’ve already heard 3. Piagetian Approach
- 1 month, babies distinguish sounds as “ba” and - Piagetian Sensorimotor Stage
“pa” Substage Age in Description
Months
Reflexes Up to 1 Gain control
4. Sight
over reflexes
- the sense least developed at birth
Primary 1 to 4 Repeat
- 20/20 vision
Circular pleasurable
chance
behaviors
(thumb sucking)
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Secondary 4 to 8 Repeat 2. Cooing – repeating vowel sounds "ahhh" (6 to 8
Circular interesting weeks)
actions
Coordinate 8 to 12 Purposeful and 3. Babbling – repeating consonant sounds "ma-ma-
Sceondary deliberate ma" (6 to 10 months)
Circular behavior
Tertiary 12 to 18 Curiosity and Recognizing Language Sounds
experimentations
1. Precedes language ability
Mental 18 to 24 Symbolic
Combinations thought; insight 2. Fetuses' heart rates slow when they hear familiar
nursery rhymes
3. By 6 months, babies learn basic sounds
Object Permanence
(phonemes) of their native language
- realizing that an object exists even when out of
sight
Gestures
- dynamics systems theory
1. Conventional Social – waving bye-bye; nodding
- not about what babies know, but about what they
head to mean "yes"
do and why
2. Representational – holding arms up means "pick
me up"
4. Information-Processing Approach
3. Symbolic – blowing means "hot"
• Habituation – a type of learbing in which
familiarity is indicated by reduced response.
**Learning gestures helps babies learn to talk.**
• Dishabituation – increase in responsiveness
First Words
after presentation with a new stimulus.
1. Linguistic Speech
- verbal expression that conveys meaning
5. Cognitive-Neuroscience Approach
- around 10 to 14 months of age
- types of memory:
a. Explicit – conscious or intentional (facts, names,
2. Holophrase
and events)
- simple syllables that have complete meanings
- "da" could mean "where is daddy?"
b. Implicit – unconscious recall (habits and skills ->
procedural memory)
3. "Naming explosion" – occurs at 16 to 24 months.
c. Working – short-term storage of active
First Sentences
information
1. Telegraphic Speech
- 2 to 3 words expressing one idea
6. Social-Contextual Approach
- "No do" means "Do not do that"
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Language is a Social Act 2. Self-consciousness
1. Prelinguistic Period – adults repeat sounds baby - depends in having self-awareness
makes - embarassment and empathy
2. Vocabulary Development – parents holds ball
while saying "This is a ball." Empathy
3. Bilingual - ability to put oneself in another's places
• code mixing - requires social cognition (understanding that
• code switching others' have thoughts and feelings)
- ideas about others' feeling feelings and used to
Child-Directed Speech gauge behavior
1. Parentese
- baby talk Egocentrism – absence of empathy.
- simplified words
- exaggerated vowel sounds
- may help children learn native tongue faster BRAIN GROWTH AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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- includes physical, social, and cultural Long Term Effects of Attachments
1. More securely attached children develop good
Social Experience relationships with others
1. The Mother's Role by Harry Harlow 2. Larger vocabularies
- research with thesus monkeys 3. Higher levels of curiosity and self-confidence
- newborn placed with "foster mother"
• cloth mother offered no food
• wire mother provided food DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES IN TODDLERHOOD
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CONTACT WITH OTHER CHILDREN • Depression
**National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) found Long Term Effects of Maltreatment
little or no effect of maternal employment on 1. 1/3 of adults abused as children victimized their
children's: own children.
• Compliance 2. Sexually abused children grow up with:
• Behavior problem • lower self-esteem
• Self-esteem • greater risk of depression and anxiety
• Cognitive development • risk of precocious sexual behavior
• Academic Achievement
MALTREATMENT
References:
Types of Child Abuse Papalia, D. (2015), Experience Human Development.
1. Physical Nilo, G.N. (2019), Lecture in Developmental
2. Neglect Psychology.
3. Sexual Torres, K.M. (2019), Lecture in Developmental
4. Emotional Maltreatment Psychology.
- causes behavioral, cognitive or mental disorders Pineda, B.Z. (2019), Lecture in Developmental
- may include rejection Psychology.
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