U1 AOS2

Question 1

Define development

Answer 1

• Changes that occur over time
• Development can include foetal changes but psychologists mainly focus on changes after birth (lifespan development)
• A change must be relatively permanent to be considered a developmental change.

Question 2

Explain what Nature is in Nature vs Nurture

Answer 2

Hereditary
- Transmission of characteristics from biological parents to their children via genes passed on through conception.
Eg.
- These genes determine physical development
- Brain functioning and the rate at which we ‘mature’
- Hormones, neuron speed, onset of puberty

Question 3

Explain what Nurture is in Nature vs Nurture

Answer 3

Environment
- All experiences, objects and events that we are exposed to throughout our lifetime
Eg.
- Influence psychological development
- Parenting styles, presence of siblings

Question 4

What are Critical Periods?

Answer 4

Something must occur within a certain time frame in order for normal development to occur
Eg.
Grammar has a critical period

Question 5

What are Sensitive Periods?

Answer 5

Something should occur within a certain time frame in order for normal development to occur, but may still be acquired later in life
Eg.

Question 6

What are Ainsworth’s types of Attachment?

Answer 6

• Secure
• Insecure Avoidant
• Insecure Resistant

Question 7

Describe Ainsworth’s Secure attachment in infants

Eg. Strange Situation experiment

Answer 7

Secure Attachment

• The infant is distressed by the absence of the caregiver, not by being alone
• The infants will play happily when main caregiver is present, trusting they will be there if needed. They are very attached to their caregiver and will experience distress when the caregiver leaves the room. The stranger can give comfort but is still different to the caregiver. the infant will seek immediate contact when the caregiver returns

Question 8

Describe Ainsworth’s Insecure avoidant attachment in infants

Eg. Strange Situation

Answer 8

Insecure Avoidant Attachment

• Both the caregiver and the stranger are treated the same way by the infant
• The infant rarely gets upset when a stranger enters the room. They do not cling to the caregiver at any stage. They dont show distress when the caregiver leaves the room and can ignore or avoid them when they come back. They do become distressed when left alone however they can be comforted by the caregiver or the stranger.

Question 9

Describe Ainsworth’s Insecure resistant attachment in infants
Eg. Strange Situation

Answer 9

Insecure Resistant Attachment

• Appear to be anxious and negative
• These infants are more clingy, cry more and do not explore or play as much as the others. they become extremely distressed when their caregiver leaves and resist any comfort from the stranger. They seek contact with the caregiver when reunited but will not display joy. They will continue to be distressed, cry and not play.