Growth vs Development
What does growth refer to in child development?
Physical changes and increases in a child’s size (height, weight, etc.).
What does the statement “Sequence, not age, is most important” mean?
It’s the order of acquiring skills, not the exact age, that shows progress.
What is a neural connection?
Organized linkages formed between brain cells as a result of learning.
Name all six major developmental domains.
Physical, Motor, Perceptual, Cognitive, Language, and Social-Emotional.
What does the term temperament describe in child development?
Temperament refers to the inborn traits that influence how a child reacts emotionally and adapts to the environment.
What does development refer to?
An increase in complexity and difficulty...a change from simple to more advanced knowledge, behavior, or skills.
What is a developmental milestone?
A major marker or accomplishment, such as sitting, walking, or talking.
What does plasticity mean?
The brain’s ability to change and form new connections through learning and experience.
How are the six domains connected?
They are interwoven and interdependent; growth in one affects the others.
Which three temperament types were identified by researchers who studied how children typically respond to the world around them?
“Easy,” “difficult,” and “slow-to-warm.”
Give one example of growth and one example of development.
Answers will vary:Examples:
Growth-increase in height or weight. Development- learning to talk or ride a bike.
What is continuity in development?
Development that occurs gradually in a predictable sequence.
What is pruning and why does it happen?
The brain eliminates weak or unused connections to strengthen active networks — “use it or lose it.”
Which domain governs children’s feelings about themselves and others?
The social-emotional domain.
What did Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation study reveal about attachment?
It showed that children differ in the quality of their attachment to caregivers, ranging from secure to various insecure styles.
Why can’t these two terms be used interchangeably?
Growth refers to measurable physical change, while development refers to progressive skill complexity across domains.
What is discontinuity?
Development that occurs in distinct, sometimes abrupt stages.
How does early adversity affect brain development?
It can change the brain’s size, structure, and connections, preparing it for survival instead of learning.
What is perceptual development?
The way children use information from the senses to learn and respond appropriately.
What are 3 caregiver behaviors that help build a strong and secure attachment with an infant or child?
1. Responding consistently 2. Offering comfort and physical closeness 3. Meeting the child’s needs with sensitivity.
How are growth and development interrelated?
Growth supports development (ex:stronger muscles enable walking), and development builds on physical growth.
Give one example of a temporary regression and explain why it’s normal.
Example: a toilet-trained child has accidents after a family move; it’s a stress-related, temporary setback.
Why do adolescents sometimes make impulsive decisions?
Their frontal lobes are still developing new layers of gray matter that regulate decision-making and emotion.
Give an example of how motor and language development might interact.
A child uses fine-motor skills to turn pages while naming pictures in a book.
How can differences between a parent’s temperament and a child’s temperament influence their relationship?
A mismatch can create misunderstanding or conflict; recognizing these differences helps adults adjust their responses and strengthen the relationship.