Psychological Developmental
Hereditary factors
These are genetic influences passed down from biological parents and represent the “nature” side of development.
Typical behaviour
Behaviour that is common or expected within a specific cultural or social context.
Cerebral cortex
This outer layer of the brain is involved in complex mental functions like decision-making, language, and planning
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.
brain vs heart debate
a historical debate as to whether the heart or the brain is responsible for mental processes, such as thought, emotion and beahviour
Environmental factors
These influences arise from the physical and social surroundings that contribute to the “nurture” side of development.
Neurotypicality
This term refers to individuals whose neurological development aligns with what is considered typical or standard.
Primary motor cortex
This brain area controls voluntary movements and is located in the frontal lobe.
Acquired brain injury
Any brain damage occurring after birth, such as from a stroke or trauma.
psychological crisis
the point of tention between an individuals capabilities and the desire to meet the expectations of society
Sensitive periods
These are optimal windows in development where individuals are more responsive to environmental influences.
Statistical rarity
This psychological criterion categorizes behaviour as atypical if it occurs infrequently in the general population.
Corpus callosum
A thick band of nerve fibres that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between them.
CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)
A degenerative brain disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma, such as athletes
seizures
a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behaviour, movemnet, feelings and level of consciousness
Biopsychosocial model
This model integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to explain psychological development and health.
Maladaptive behaviour
Behaviour that interferes with an individual's ability to function in everyday life.
Functional neuroimaging
This type of technique, like fMRI or PET, shows brain activity in real time.
Developmental plasticity
Brain changes that occur during critical stages of development, especially in childhood.
what are the 6 approches of normality?
socio-cultural, functional, historical, medical, statistical and situational approach
Attachment theory (Bowlby)
This theory explains how consistent emotional bonds with caregivers shape emotional development, categorizing styles such as "secure" and "insecure".
Neurodiversity
A perspective that recognizes neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, as natural variations of human cognition.
Sperry and Gazzaniga's split-brain research
These studies explored what happens when the corpus callosum is severed, revealing distinct functions in the brain’s hemispheres.
Adaptive plasticity
The brain’s ability to compensate for injury by reorganizing and forming new connections later in life.
3 types contemporary research
machine learning, the gut-brain axis and ste cell research