Chapter 1

Question 1

little scientist p.11

Answer 1

Piaget’s theory of children acting as scientists, learning as a scientist would conduct experiments.

Question 2

cognitive development p.3

Answer 2

Piaget’s theory. Focuses on thought processes and the construction of knowledge. How people think and develop over time.

Question 3

independent variables p.21

Answer 3

the factor being manipulated

Question 4

dependent variables p.21

Answer 4

the behavior being observed

Question 5

observational learning p.11

Answer 5

learning that occurs simply by watching how others behave. -Al Bandura-

Question 6

reinforcement p. 10

Answer 6

a consequence that increases the future likelihood of the behavior that it follows.
ex: B.F. Skinner: positive and negative reinforcement.

Question 7

Vygotsky scaffolding

Answer 7

Parents and teachers gauge the amount of assistance they offer to match the learner’s needs while fostering independence.

Question 8

stem cell controversy p.26

Answer 8

using human embryo stem cells

Question 9

sociocultural backdrop

Answer 9

Vykotsky’s theory: focuses on how culture is transmitted to the next generation. Socially medicated process, influential in the study of cognitive development.

Question 10

historical context

Answer 10

why people born around the same time tend to be alike in ways that set them apart from people born at other times.

Development occurs within a particular set of circumstances determined by historical time and culture.

Question 11

validity

Answer 11

extent to which a measure actually assesses what researchers think it does.

Question 12

reliability

Answer 12

extent to which it provides a constant index of a characteristic

Question 13

selective optimization p.15

Answer 13

that the 3 processes (selection, optimization, and compensation) form a system of behavioral action that generated and regulates development and aging.

Question 14

compensation p.15

Answer 14

when people’s skills have decreased so that they no longer function well in a particular domain. Search for alternative ways to accomplish a goal.

Question 15

nature/nurture p. 5

Answer 15

genetics v. environmental influences that determine personality.

Question 16

correlation coefficient p. 20

Answer 16

an expression of the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Can be -1.0 to 1.0

Question 17

continuity/discontinuity development pp.5-6

Answer 17

whether a particular developmental phenomenon represents a smooth progression throughout the lifespan (continuity) or a series of abrupt changes (discontinuity).

Question 18

universal development p.6

Answer 18

Is there just one path of development or several paths? Environmental factors may play a role.

ex: Brazilian 10 y.o. learns money from selling fruit on the streets. US 10 y.o. goes to school to learn it.

Question 19

sociocultural forces p. 6

Answer 19

include interpersonal, societal, cultural, and ethnic factors. No individual part can act without influencing all other aspects of the system.

Question 20

positive/negative correlation

Answer 20

ranges from -1.0 to 1.0

tells how strongly or negatively correlated something is.,

Question 21

neuroscience p. 8

Answer 21

the study of the brain and nervous system, especially in terms of brain-behavior relationships.

Question 22

cohorts p. 22

cohort effects

Answer 22

cross sectional studies. Differences between the age groups may reflect environmental events instead of developmental processes.
Ex: technology is different.

Question 23

sequential design p. 22

Answer 23

based on cross-sectional studies and longitudinal designs.

Question 24

cross-sectional design p.22

Answer 24

study in which developmental differences are identified by testing people of different ages at the same time (influenced by cohort effects).

Question 25

longitudinal design p.22

Answer 25

observe or test the same individuals repeatedly at different points in their lives.

Question 26

epigenetic theory p.10

Answer 26

sequence of developmental stages in Erikson’s theory. Each psych strength has its own period of importance. 8 stages.