nature vs nurture Flashcards
(25 cards)
What does the term development refer to in psychology?
Changes that occur over time
Development encompasses various stages and aspects of growth throughout a person’s life.
What is lifespan development?
Development from birth through to and including old age
Lifespan development covers the full range of changes experienced from infancy to old age.
During which period do many changes occur in human development?
The nine months of fetal development in the uterus
Although significant changes occur prenatally, psychology often focuses on postnatal development.
What does physical development involve?
Changes in the body and its various systems
This includes brain development, motor skills, and hormonal changes.
What is social development?
Changes in an individual’s relationships with others
It includes skills for interacting and forming relationships within groups.
What does cognitive development entail?
Changes in an individual’s mental abilities
Key areas include reasoning, problem solving, and memory.
How is emotional development defined?
Changes in how an individual experiences and expresses feelings
This includes variations in emotional expression across different ages.
What is psychological development?
Changes associated with social, cognitive, and emotional development
These changes involve internal mental processes that are not directly observable.
What qualifies as a developmental change?
A change that is relatively permanent or ‘lasting’
This definition distinguishes developmental changes from temporary changes.
What are the two main factors influencing psychological development?
Inherited factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture)
The interplay between genetics and environment shapes individual development.
What are biological factors in psychological development?
Genetics
Biological factors refer to the inherited traits that influence development.
What psychological factors influence development?
Self-concept and information processing
These factors affect how individuals perceive themselves and their environment.
What social factors are involved in psychological development?
Interactions with others
Social influences play a critical role in shaping an individual’s development.
What are the two main influences on development in the nature vs nurture debate?
Nature and nurture
Both nature (inborn factors) and nurture (environmental factors) are involved in development.
Define nature in the context of development.
Inborn, inherited factors gained genetically from biological parents
Examples include eye colour, hair colour, and skin colour.
What factors are influenced by nature aside from physical traits?
Height and weight
Environmental factors also play a role in height and weight.
Define nurture in the context of development.
Environmental or external conditions that affect an individual’s development
Includes experiences and stimuli throughout the lifespan.
List some examples of nurture factors.
- Food
- Education
- Money
- Love
- Support
- Friends
These factors contribute to shaping an individual.
What are hormones?
Chemicals secreted into the bloodstream from various glands
Assist the body in adapting to different conditions.
What role do hormones play during the ‘fight-flight’ response?
They help the body adapt
Hormones are involved in initiating and regulating this response.
What is an enriched environment?
An environment where all basic needs and more are provided
Examples include adequate nutrition, love, and education.
How does an enriched environment contribute to development?
Allows for positive contributions to growth and development
Stimuli in the environment are crucial for a child’s development.
What is a deprived environment?
An environment where basic needs are lacking
Examples include poor diet and lack of sensory stimulation.
What are the consequences of a deprived environment on development?
Does not allow for normal development and growth
Lack of exposure to necessary stimuli inhibits development.
