Wrap up Chapter 2 Flashcards
theory
A set of ideas or principles used to explain observed phenomena or behavior
biological perspective in development
A viewpoint that emphasizes the influence of genetics, brain function, and other biological processes on development.
evolution
The process through which species change over time due to genetic mutations and natural selection
ethology
The study of animal and human behavior from an evolutionary perspective, focusing on innate behaviors
epigenetics
The study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors, without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
psychodynamic perspective
Theory of development that emphasizes the influence of unconscious forces, early experiences, and relationships on behavior
psychosexual stages
Freud’s theory that personality develops through five stages based on pleasure-seeking energies centered on different areas of the body.
attachment theory
A theory that explains how early relationships with caregivers shape emotional development and future relationships.
behaviorism
A theory that focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, often through conditioning.
classical conditioning
A type of learning where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, triggering a conditioned response (Pavlov’s dogs)
operant conditioning
A form of learning where behavior is influenced by rewards or punishments.
Social learning theory
A theory that emphasizes learning through observing and imitating others, and the role of cognitive factors in learning.
reinforcement
The process of strengthening a behavior by providing a reward or positive consequence.
punishment in behaviorism
The process of decreasing a behavior by introducing an unpleasant consequence or removing a pleasant one.
cognitive development theory
Piaget’s theory that children go through stages of cognitive growth, actively constructing knowledge through experiences.
schema
A mental framework or structure that organizes and interprets information
assimilation
The process of integrating new information into existing schemas
accommodation
The process of altering existing schemas to incorporate new information
Piaget’s stage theory of development
theory that describes cognitive development in children through four stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational
Stage in developmental theories?
A distinct, orderly phase of development, often characterized by specific behaviors or skills
sociocultural theory
Vygotsky’s theory that cognitive development is influenced by social interactions and cultural practices
cultural perspective in development
viewpoint that emphasizes the impact of culture on the way people think, feel, and behave across different contexts.
information processing
theory focusing on how humans process, store, and retrieve information, similar to how a computer functions.
scientific method
systematic process for conducting research, involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.