Research Methods
What is the main goal of developmental psychology?
To study how people change from birth through old age.
What are babies called during the first two weeks after conception?
Zygotes.
What is a growth spurt?
A sudden growth in height and weight
What kind of sounds do infants begin making at 2 months?
Cooing.
What is the term for a baby’s emotional bond with a caregiver?
Attachment.
What physical change typically signals puberty in girls and in boys?
Growth spurt and breast development. Testes development in boys
What is Erikson’s challenge during young adulthood?
Intimacy vs. Isolation.
Which research method studies different age groups at one point in time?
Cross-sectional study.
What is a teratogen?
A harmful substance that can cause birth defects (like drugs or viruses).
What is one major milestone most babies reach around 12 months?
Walking.
What is the difference between language and communication
One can communicate without language but language is the verbal expression of communication
What type of parenting style is both firm and responsive?
Authoritative.
What is Erikson’s main psychosocial challenge during adolescence?
Identity vs. Role Confusion.
What happens to hormone levels during midlife in women?
Estrogen drops sharply, leading to menopause.
What is a major advantage of longitudinal studies?
They track the same individuals over time, showing how they change.
What are two reflexes present in newborns?
Examples: sucking and rooting.
What is object permanence, and when does it typically develop?
Understanding that things still exist even when out of sight; around 8–12 months.
According to Skinner, how do children learn language?
Through reinforcement and imitation.
According to Erikson, what is the main challenge for a toddler (1–3 years)?
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.
What is adolescent egocentrism?
Belief that others are constantly watching and judging them.
What is one factor that supports healthy aging in late adulthood?
Staying mentally and physically active.
What is one major disadvantage of retrospective (biographical) research?
It relies on people’s memories, which can be inaccurate.
What is the "critical period" in prenatal development?
A time when certain organs or systems must develop properly, or they may not form at all.
What is the main feature of Piaget’s preoperational stage?
Egocentrism and symbolic thought.
What is Chomsky’s “language acquisition device”?
An inborn brain system that helps children learn grammar and language quickly.
What is “stranger anxiety,” and when does it usually appear?
Fear of unfamiliar people; around 7 months.
What does research say about the "storm and stress" stereotype in teens?
It is exaggerated; most teens don’t experience extreme turmoil.
What are the five stages of coping with death, according to Kübler-Ross?
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
Compare and contrast cross-sectional and longitudinal methods, including one key limitation of each.
Cross-sectional is faster but doesn't track individual changes; longitudinal shows development over time but takes years and risks participant drop-out.
How do alcohol and smoking affect babies?
Fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight, cognitive delays
What is one criticism of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
He underestimated young children's abilities and overlooked the role of social interaction.
What is one long-term brain effect of bilingualism?
Increased neural density and better cognitive flexibility.
What are “non-shared environments,” and why are they important?
Unique experiences that differ between siblings; they significantly shape individual development.
Name and briefly define two identity statuses from Marcia’s theory.
Identity achievement: commitment after exploration; Moratorium: exploration without commitment.
What is the difference between generativity and stagnation?
Generativity involves creating a meaningful life and contributing to others; stagnation involves feeling unproductive or disconnected.