1. Unit 9: Developmental Psychology

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!!!

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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).

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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!!!

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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)

25. 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