Key Terms
Physical
Growth and changes in the body and brain, senses, motor skills, health. Cognitive: Learning, attention, memory, language
Continuous
Development is gradual, cumulative, smooth. Like growing taller each year.
Discontinuous
Development happens in distinct stages with sudden shifts. Like an infant suddenly grasping object permanence.
One course
Development follows a universal sequence (language milestones occur in the same order across cultures).
Many courses
Individual genetics, environment, and culture shape unique developmental paths (Ache children in Paraguay walk at 23-25
Nature
Biology and genetics.
Nurture
Environment and culture.
Schemata and Adaptation
Assimilation: New information fits into an existing schema. (Child calls all four-legged animals "dog.")
Accommodation
Existing schema must change to fit new information. (Child learns sheep is not a dog; creates a new schema.)
Object permanence
Understanding that things exist even when out of sight. Develops 5-8 months.
Alcohol
No safe amount during pregnancy. Leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the U.S.
Nicotine
Reduces blood oxygen. Linked to premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, SIDS.
Other teratogens
Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, most prescription and OTC medications, radiation, HIV, herpes, rubella.
Critical/sensitive period
Each organ has a specific window of development when it is most vulnerable to teratogenic damage.
Newborn Reflexes
Rooting: Touch the cheek; baby turns toward the touch and sucks. Sucking: Automatic sucking motion.