Developmental Psychology

Reading Challenge 1 1) What is the term used for the physical core of our personality. This includes sensitivity, energy level, and mood. (Heredity, Temperament, Teratogen) 2) __________ refers to an environment that lacks normal stimulation, nutrition, comfort, or love. (Enrichment, Teratogen, Deprivation)

Reading Challenge 1 3) What is the term used to describe the periods when the development of a baby is more vulnerable to environmental influences? (sensitive periods, environmental periods, development periods) 4) What is the difference between “Nature and Nurture”? Bonus: What are chromosomes made of?

Agenda To get: To Do: Viewing questions for Good Will Hunting Two handouts off back shelf To Do: Opener questions – GWH Finish watching and turn in viewing questions (10 minutes) Intro UNIT 3 Developmental Psych TED Talk – Longest Human Development Study

Genes Segments of DNA that influence processes and characteristics

Polygenic Genes interact with other genes to determine processes and characteristics (more likely than single gene influence)

Epigenetics changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression not the code itself

Genetic vs Environment Genetic disorders- inherited (hemophilia, muscular dystrophy) Congenital problems- environmental impact (birth defects)

Temperament The core of your personality (sensitivity, irritability, distractibility, and typical mood).

Human Growth Sequence Prenatal Period Adolescence Neonatal period Adulthood Infancy Early childhood Middle childhood Pubescence Puberty

Prenatal Period From conception to birth

Neonatal Period From birth to a few weeks after birth

Infancy From a few weeks after birth until child is walking securely

Early Childhood From about 15-18 months until 2 to 2½ years (Toddler) From 2-3 to about 6 (Preschool child)

Middle Childhood From age 6 to age 12

Pubescence Period of about 2 years before puberty

Puberty Point of development at which biological changes of pubescence reach a climax marked by sexual maturity

Adolescence Lasts until full social maturity is reached

Adulthood From adolescence to death Young adulthood (20-34) Maturity (65 plus)

Rosenzweig and Bennett Enriched/Deprived environment Greatly affects brain development Rats Research Enriched environment increased the density of brain Positive, educative, safe, comforting