Module 3: Nature vs. Nurture I. What makes us who we are?

A. Nature – biological dispositions that we’re born with (genes) –The human genome contains 30,000 genes! B. Nurture – our surroundings, upbringing, social influences Example: Rats in a deprived environment had less brain development.

C. Individual Differences 1. Identical Twins – share the same genes, develop from the same egg. The best way to study human development. –Raised together: same “nature” AND “nurture” (Most likely to have same personality) –Raised apart: same “nature” but different “nurture” experiences

2. Fraternal Twins – develop from two different eggs Can be different sex (1 boy, 1 girl) “Nature” – genetically no different than regular siblings “Nurture” – very similar experiences

Twin Studies United Streaming video clip

Module 4: The Beginnings of Life A.Physical Development – first stage is Zygote (0-2 weeks) EMBRYO 2-8 weeks

9 weeks- birth FETUS

TERATOGENS

B. Cognitive Development – Neural connections are still forming Example: Most people have no memory prior to age 4

Neural Development

1. Piaget’s Stages Sensorimotor – touching, tasting, moving Pre-Operational – pretend play, object permanence (knowing an object continues to exist even when out of sight) Concrete Operational – understand conservation (quantity does not change despite changes in shape), math Formal Operational – abstract thinking, hypothetical situations, moral reasoning

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

C. Social Development – bonding with parents 1. Ainsworth Study – 3 types of attachment –Secure: a healthy bond with caregivers –Ambivalent: child is unsure, lacks trust in caregivers –Avoidant: child is insecure and distant, caused by neglect (ignoring the baby’s cries of distress)

2. Harry Harlow Study Infant monkeys preferred a cloth “mother” without milk than a wire “mother” with milk. CONCLUSION: Body contact is more important for bonding than nourishment. Worth Digital Media Archive Clip

3.Erik Erikson’s Stages of Social Development Infants and children must develop trust, autonomy, initiative, and competence in order to become healthy adults

4. Parenting Styles Authoritarian: Cold, high in discipline, parent in control Permissive: Warm/loving, low in discipline, child in control Authoritative: Warm, moderate discipline, parent and child negotiate and compromise

Module 5: Adolescence A. Physical Development 1.Adolescence – transition from puberty to independence 2.Puberty – period of sexual maturation 3.Sex Characteristics - Primary (reproductive) vs. Secondary (non- reproductive) 4.Sexual Orientation – an enduring sexual attraction to same or other gender

B. Cognitive Development Kohlberg’s Stages of Morality 1.Pre-conventional: childhood to age 9 –Decisions are based on reward or punishment

2.Conventional: teens and most adults Decisions are made to fit in, to be a good citizen, to “do the right thing” (follow rules and laws).

3.Post-conventional: Few people reach this level of reasoning. –Decisions made with respect to the rights of all people

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development: Teenagers are in the Formal Operational Stage: can understand abstract ideas, capable of mature moral reasoning

C. Social Development Erik Erikson’s Stages: Identity – teenagers refine their sense of self by testing roles and then integrating them

Module 6: Adulthood and Aging A.Physical Changes 1.Deterioration: senses (sight, smell, hearing), muscle mass, memory 2.Increased immunity to common cold 3.Menopause (in women)

4. Diseases Related to Aging a. Alzheimer’s disease – a progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning (final stage) b. Senile Dementia – mental disintegration that can be caused by alcoholism, stroke, brain tumor, aging, or Alzheimer’s disease

Physical Changes: Vision

Physical Changes: Sense of Smell

Physical Changes: Hearing

B. Cognitive Changes 1. Deficits in Recall (it’s not as good anymore) –Ex: what is your phone number? –Ex: Describe the burglar’s appearance. Recognition stays strong –Ex: is your phone number? –Ex: Pick from this line-up of suspects.

2. Less Fluid Intelligence The ability to reason speedily and abstractly, decreases with age Crystallized Intelligence (wisdom) – one’s accumulated knowledge and verbal skills, increases with age

C. Social Changes 1.Social Clock: the culturally preferred timing of certain social events (marriage, parenthood, retirement) Erikson’s Stage of Social Development: INTIMACY

2. Empty Nest Alone for the first time in 18+ years Erikson’s Stage of Social Development: GENERATIVITY

3. Death and Dying a. INTEGRITY (Erikson’s Stage of Social Development): Facing their own mortality, older adults must maintain a sense of hope and pride despite friends and family passing away.

b. Grief and Loss: (DABDA) Not Supported By Research