Unit 9: Developmental Psychology

Maturation: Maturation refers to a natural growth or change that unfolds in a fixed sequence relatively independent of the environment We must be ready for these changes EX: Regardless of upbringing, almost all children begin to walk between 10 to 18 months

Beginnings (in the womb) of Development: In our earliest phase of development, we are a zygote. This new cell is formed from the father’s sperm and the mother’s egg After about 14 days of development, we become an embryo and remain so until about 2 months. At this phase, we are beginning to develop eyes, ears, mouth, and lips From 2 months until birth, we are called a fetus and we continue to develop

Issues in Pregnancy: Critical Period: A period of time in which certain types of growth must occur if we are to develop normally. If not, these cannot develop later on Teratogens are harmful substances that can cause birth defects. These can either be natural or introduced by the mother Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of physical and mental disorders caused by consumption of alcohol during pregnancy

Newborn Development: In our newborn phase, we are mainly developing our abilities of sensation and perception We must be able to take in the information from the world around us and be able to make sense of that information Our memory, at this phase, is only concerned with basic tasks and information

Piaget’s Theory: Sensorimotor Phase In this phase (birth-2yrs.), infants experience the world through their sensory impressions, motor activities, and coordination of the two. Object Permanence begins to develop

Piaget’s Theory: Preoperational Phase In this phase (2-7), children are beginning to manipulate the world around them In ages 2-4, we can think in images and create abstract ideas In ages 4-7, we can acquire more advanced language and begin to form representations of things using symbols or other ideas

Piaget’s Theory: Concrete Operational Phase In this phase (7-11), we begin to understand logical principles and apply them to abstract ideas They can begin to entertain ideas without necessarily agreeing with them

Piaget’s Theory: Formal Operational Phase In this phase (11+), we begin to speculate and think critically and logically about the most abstract ideas. We begin to make moral judgements about what should be, not just what is

Temperament: A person’s temperament is an individual’s basic disposition, which is evident from birth Some babies are easygoing and remain so through adulthood. Left: As a Baby Right: Age 60 Same Guy!!!

Harlow’s Monkey Experiment: Attachment: A deep and enduring relationship with the person with whom a baby has shared many experiences In 1959, Psychologist Harry Harlow ran an experiment on attachment using monkeys and wire dolls He found that the baby monkeys attached more with the terrycloth mothers than the wire mothers This proved that babies needed something to attach to for their basic needs

Parenting Styles: How parents raise their children can have a massive impact on their development Authoritarian Parents: These parents are the boss. They are firm, unforgiving, and value obedience above all else. Permissive Parents: These parents are their kids “friends”. They allow their kids to do almost whatever they want and are lax on discipline. Authoritative Parents: These parents are the leaders. They set rules and punishments that are fair. They give their children some freedom, but also hold them accountable.

Erikson’s Theory: Year 1 Basic Issue: Trust versus Mistrust In the first year, we are creating bonds with our closest family members. We learn who we can trust (Mom for most of us).

Erikson’s Theory: Year 2 Basic Issue: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt In this phase, we are either beginning to take control of the world around us (walking, moving objects, making choices) or we are doubting our ability to do so.

Erikson’s Theory: Year 3-5 Basic Issue: Initiative Versus Guilt In this phase, we are beginning to form our own ideas about what we want to do or we are punished for not obeying, so we feel guilt

Erikson’s Theory: Year 6-Puberty Basic Issue: Industry Versus Inferiority In this phase, we begin to have an increased ability to learn and create or we lose interest in learning and creating

Erikson’s Theory: Adolescence Basic Issue: Identity Versus Role Confusion In this phase, we are trying to “find” ourselves. Most of us will gravitate toward traditional roles and schemas, but some of us will begin to question where we belong

Erikson’s Theory: Early Adulthood Basic Issue: Intimacy Versus Isolation In this phase, many individuals will begin to seek out serious relationships with peers and lovers. Others will begin to separate themselves from the world around them. I think I just puked on my keyboard!!!

Erikson’s Theory: Middle Age Basic Issue: Generativity Versus Stagnation In this phase, we are working toward many of our lifetime goals. We struggle with the ability to manage all of our tremendous responsibilities. Some people begin to become self-centered and inactive.

Erikson’s Theory: Old Fartdom Basic Issue: Integrity Versus Despair In this phase we are looking back at our lives and taking stock of what we have accomplished. Many old farts begin to despair about the loss of life.

Resilience: Resilience is our ability to develop normally in spite of severe environmental risk factors Some people have high resilience while others do not.

Ethnic Identity: While our personalities are somewhat developed independently, there are some factors that may influence us Ethnic Identity is a part of our identity associated with our race, religion, or cultural groups to which we belong. Oath of Citizenship

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning: According to Kohlberg’s theory, we learn our moral reasoning in 3 phases Phase 1: Preconventional Moral Reasoning: Reasoning that is not yet based on the conventions or rules that guide society. Phase 2: Conventional Moral Reasoning: Reasoning that is based on the conventions or rules that guide society. Phase 3: Postconventional Moral Reasoning: Reasoning that reflects personal standards or universal principles of justice, equality, and respect for human life -Very few people reach phase 3

Terminal Drop: Terminal Drop is the idea that at some point, usually late in life, our cognitive abilities begin to diminish This can be accelerated by many types of mental disabilities associated with aging (Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer's, Dementia)

The Smith-Garcias are planning for their first baby The Smith-Garcias are planning for their first baby. Both parents-to-be have had a psychology course and are looking forward to applying the principles they learned from theories and research that address child development. Summarize one main idea or finding of each of the following four researchers. • Skinner’s operant conditioning • Bandura’s social learning theory • Ainsworth’s attachment research • Baumrind’s research on parenting styles B) Provide a specific example of actions the Smith-Garcias might take to raise their child to produce positive outcomes using each of the theories below to address the corresponding psychological concept. • Skinner’s operant conditioning: tantrum management • Bandura’s social learning theory: sharing behavior • Ainsworth’s attachment research: self-reliance • Baumrind’s research on parenting styles: self-esteem