Developmental psychology: the study of physical, intellectual, social, and moral changes across the life span from conception to death. Developmental psychologists attempt to describe, explain, and predict age-related behaviors.

Three major issues: 1. Nature vs. Nurture 2. Continuity vs. Stages - One long process or do we develop through stages? 3. Stability vs. Change - Are we the same person throughout life or do our personalities change?

Three types of developments studied: 1. Physical development – how our bodies mature. 2. Cognitive development – how our mind grows and changes. 3. Social/Emotional development – how our personalities change over time.

Conception – The moment and egg and a sperm join to form a zygote. Sperm Egg

The Zygote Stage: First 10 – 14 days The Zygote Stage: First 10 – 14 days Zygote: a fertilized egg. After the nuclei of the egg and sperm fuse, the cell divides in 2, 4, 8, 16…rapidly! The cells differentiate and become the brain, the liver, the heart, etc.

The Embryo, 2 – 8 weeks The Embryo, 2 – 8 weeks The cells attach to the uterine wall and forms a placenta, where nourishment passes. The inner cells become the embryo. Embryo: The developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the 2 nd month.

The Embryo, 2 – 8 weeks The Embryo, 2 – 8 weeks During this stage (6 weeks), cells develop into organs and bones. The heart begins to beat! 40 days – spine, arms, legs begin to grow.

5 days later, the limbs and head become more identifiable.

End of 2 nd month, facial features, hands, and feet have formed. (Fetal period)

Fetal Life After 9 weeks the embryo becomes a fetus. After 6 months, the organs begin to form and is responsive to sound! It can recognize the mother’s voice! At this point you can read to the unborn child and it will respond!

4 months

Fetal Life: The Dangers Teratogens: substances such as viruses and chemicals that can damage the developing embryo/fetus. If the mother is a heroin addict, the baby will be born addicted to heroin. Whatever mother does, so do baby!

Cigarette smoking is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): abnormalities caused by exposure to alcohol in the fetal stage. Drinking may cause birth defects and mental retardation. Born with small, oddly shaped head and lifelong brain abnormalities. FAS is leading cause of mental retardation!

The Newborn Reflexes: responses that are inborn and do not have to be learned. Newborns have reflexes that ensure that they will be fed. Rooting reflex: when a newborn’s cheek is touched, they look for a nipple to feed. If they don’t find it, they cry!

Sucking Reflex: can be triggered by a fingertip. Crying is the newborn’s reflex to motivate parents to feed it!