Introduction Flashcards
Empiricism
The idea that development is primarily determined by environmental influences
Nativism
The idea that development is primarily determined by inherited (genetic) factors
Continuous Development
A pattern of development in which abilities change in a gradual and smooth way throughout life
Discontinuous Development
A pattern of development in which changes occur suddenly, resulting in defined periods of development that are qualitatively different
Critical Period
A period of development (age range) during which specific experiences are crucial for development to occur in a typical way
Sensitive Period
A period of development (age range) during which particular experiences are important for normal development, but this may still occur even if the experiences do not
Domain-General Development
The idea that development in a particular skill can impact a wide range of other abilities
Domain-Specific Development
The idea that development of various abilities occurs independently and has little impact on skills in other domains
Levels of Explanation
The extent or way in which psychological abilities and their development are described.
i.e Biological / Behavioural / Social / Emotional
Interactionism
The idea that several levels of explanation are necessary to explain a particular development.
i.e. Biology / Social & Cultural environment
Ecological Perspective
A perspective that stresses the importance of interactions between different environmental systems as well as their effects on organisms
Ecological Model of Development
Developed by Bronfenbrenner, the model stresses that there are different levels of a child’s environment that interact with them with differing levels of direct influence.
Microsystem:
The closest environment to the child, in which they interact directly with parents / school / peers.
Mesosystem:
The interactions between the components of the Microsystem.
Exosystem:
Largely indirect influences on the child’s environment.
i.e. extended family / parents work schedule / mass media
Macrosystem:
The ideological and institutional patterns or beliefs of a particular culture or subculture.
Chronosystem:
Represents that all of these systems change over time.
i.e. puberty / political change / death of a parent
Lifespan Perspective
The view that development is a process that continues throughout the life cycle, from infancy to old age
Age cohort
People born within the same generation, sharing similar histories and experiences
