Basic Concepts and Methods 2

The continuity-discontinuity issue refers to whether age-related change is primarily a matter of amount or degree (continuity) or involves changes in type or kind (discontinuity).

Individual differences are changes resulting from unique, unshared events, including genetic differences and characteristics influenced by both heredity and environment.

G. Stanley Hall was a developmentalist who used questionnaires and interviews to study children, and his 1891 article represented the first scientific study of child development.

The three major domains of development are physical development, cognitive development, and social development, each encompassing different aspects of human growth and change.

Continuity refers to gradual, cumulative changes in development, while discontinuity involves distinct, qualitative changes that occur at specific stages.

Her work on infant attachment, establishing a framework for understanding infant-caregiver relations.

A critical period is a specific period in development when an organism is especially sensitive to the presence (or absence) of some particular kind of experience.

Philosophers offered a variety of explanations for differences observed in individuals of different ages, influencing many Western beliefs about human development.

The interactionist theory of development explains the nature–nurture controversy by emphasizing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping development.

Changes that are common to every individual in a species and linked to specific ages, often due to biological maturation or shared experiences.

The CTTC conducts ongoing research to ensure the value and appropriateness of toys, considering factors like safety, performance, and age-appropriateness.

The Elinor Ames Award is given for the best student presentation in the Developmental Section at the annual CPA convention, promoting excellence in developmental psychology research.

A cohort is a group of individuals who are born within a fairly narrow span of years and thus share the same historical experiences at the same time in their lives.

Atypical development refers to deviation from a typical, or 'normal,' developmental pathway, including exceptionalities, developmental delay, psychological disorders, and behavioral problems.

The current view of developmentalists that changes happen throughout the entire human lifespan and that changes must be interpreted in light of the culture and context in which they occur; thus, interdisciplinary research is critical to understanding human development.

The lifespan perspective emphasizes that development is a lifelong process, recognizing that changes occur at all stages of life and are influenced by various biological, social, and environmental factors.

The interactionist model of development posits that development is influenced by the interplay between individual characteristics and environmental factors, highlighting the dynamic nature of human growth.

Mary Wright, who became president in 1969.

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of age-related changes in our bodies, behaviour, thinking, emotions, social relationships, and personalities.

Maturation is the gradual unfolding of a genetically programmed sequential pattern of change.

The Innate Goodness view, proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, claims that all human beings are naturally good and seek experiences that help them grow, needing only nurturing and protection to reach their full potential.

Toys are considered tools for children that promote various aspects of development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

An early leader in the development of a comprehensive theory of lifespan human development, emphasizing the capacity for positive change or plasticity throughout the lifespan.

The interactionist model is the theory that development results from complex reciprocal interactions between multiple personal and environmental factors.

Vulnerabilities are certain predispositions a child may have, such as emotional irritability, physical abnormalities, or allergies, which can affect their development.

A set of age norms that defines a sequence of life experiences considered normal in a given culture, guiding individuals on the timing of events like marriage and retirement.

Changes in thinking, memory, problem-solving, and other intellectual skills, as well as the study of how children learn and the deterioration of memory functions in old age.

William Blatz, who opened the St. George’s School for Child Study in 1925.

Riding toys pose risks because toddlers often lack well-developed coordination, which can lead to accidents such as running into objects or falling.

Five ethical standards include obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, minimizing harm, providing debriefing, and ensuring the right to withdraw from the study.

On-time events refer to experiences occurring at the expected times for an individual’s culture or cohort, which pose fewer difficulties compared to off-time experiences.

Qualitatively distinct periods of development that may be useful if development involves reorganization or the emergence of new strategies, qualities, or skills.

Quantitative change refers to a change in amount, such as the increase in the number of friends a child has as they grow older.

A change in kind or type, indicating that changes in friendships or relationships are fundamentally different at various ages.

A sensitive period is a span of months or years during which a child may be particularly responsive to specific forms of experience or particularly influenced by their absence.

Norm-referenced tests are standardized tests that compare an individual’s score to the average score of same-aged peers.

Empiricism is the view that humans possess no innate tendencies and that all differences among humans are attributable to experience.

The goal is to produce observations and explanations that can be applied to a wide range of human beings and contexts, studying both change and stability.

Jean Piaget's theory describes the development of logical thinking in four stages from birth to adolescence, forming the foundation of modern cognitive-developmental psychology.

The lifespan perspective is an approach that encompasses the entire human lifespan, recognizing that development occurs from birth to death and is influenced by both inborn characteristics and environmental factors.

The four research goals of developmental psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and influence developmental processes and outcomes.

Darwin's theory provides foundational ideas such as developmental stages, although it has faced criticism for potentially leading to misinterpretation in child studies.

Norms are average ages at which developmental milestones are reached.

The 'Blank Slate' view suggests that the mind of a child is a blank slate that can be molded by adults, attributing differences among humans to their childhood environments.

Changes in the size, shape, and characteristics of the body, including physiological processes associated with puberty and sensory perception development.

It marked the beginning of formal psychology education in Canada.

The threat of war in Europe and the need for psychologists to provide services for the war effort.

LEGO symbolizes an ideal toy that fosters development in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social areas.

Original sin is a doctrine that teaches that all humans are born with a selfish and stubborn nature, and to reduce this inborn tendency toward sinfulness, humans must seek redemption.

The four research goals of developmental psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and influence human development from conception to death.

Protective factors are attributes such as high intelligence, good physical coordination, or an easy temperament that can enhance a child's resilience in the face of stress.

Baby biographies are detailed records kept by individuals, including Charles Darwin, of their own children's early development, aimed at finding evidence to support the theory of evolution.

Changes in variables that are associated with the relationship of an individual to others, such as studies of children's social skills.

Toys allow children to act out inner thoughts, feelings, and fantasies in a safe manner, helping them learn persistence and mastery.

Cross-cultural research is important because it helps to understand how cultural contexts influence developmental processes and outcomes, providing a broader perspective on human development.

A prejudicial view of older adults that characterizes them in negative ways, often leading to discrimination in areas like employment.

Age-appropriate refers to toys that match a child's capabilities and interests, ensuring they are both safe and engaging for the child.

The capacity for positive change in response to environmental demands, which is possible throughout the entire lifespan.

The view of adulthood has shifted from being seen as a long period of stability followed by a brief unstable phase before death to a more dynamic understanding of ongoing development throughout adulthood.

Continuity in development refers to the consistent and gradual changes that occur over time, as opposed to abrupt or discontinuous changes.

Changes shared by all individuals who grow up together in a particular group, significantly influenced by cultural norms and values.

Charles Darwin contributed to early developmental psychology through his theories on evolution and natural selection, which influenced the understanding of human development.

They focused on personnel selection, recruitment, training methods, and addressing child-care problems due to the evacuation of children in Britain.

In the 19th century, people began to turn to scientific methods to better understand human development, leading to the establishment of modern developmental psychology by 1930.

The goal of the Developmental Section of the CPA is to facilitate communication among developmental psychologists regarding research, teaching, and practice.

Cross-sectional research examines different age groups at one point in time, longitudinal research follows the same individuals over time, and sequential research combines both approaches to study developmental changes.

He was the first editor of the Bulletin of the Canadian Psychological Association and a pioneer in experimental psychology.