Developmental psychologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course Lifespan Psychology and Developmental Theories

Developmental Change, Nature–Nurture, Timing, and Variation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Development can look like a smooth progression or a series of more noticeable shifts. This lesson introduces two ways psychologists describe the shape of developmental change and explains why apparent changes should be considered in context.

Continuous development is gradual, cumulative change that unfolds over time. A skill or characteristic develops in small steps, so differences may become visible from day to day, week to week, or year to year.

All flashcards

Heritability estimate
A measure of how much genetic differences help explain differences in a characteristic within a population; it does not determine an individual's outcome.
Reaction range
The idea that genes may set boundaries for a trait while environmental conditions influence where within those boundaries it develops.
Epigenetics
The study of how experiences and environments can affect gene activity without changing the DNA sequence.
Sensitive period
An age range when development is especially responsive to environmental input, though that input is not necessarily required for any development.
Normative developmental outcome
An outcome typical or expected based on patterns observed across many individuals, not a strict schedule for everyone.

Quiz questions

  1. What does a heritability estimate describe?Answer: How genetic differences help explain variation in a characteristic within a population.
  2. A child who enjoys books chooses to join a reading club. Which gene–environment correlation does this illustrate?Answer: Active correlation, in which a person selects environments that fit their tendencies.
  3. Which statement best distinguishes a critical period from a sensitive period?Answer: A critical period involves experiences required for typical development; a sensitive period involves heightened responsiveness to experience.
  4. What does resilience mean in developmental psychology?Answer: The capacity and process of adapting well when facing adversity or significant stress.
  5. What is a normative developmental finding?Answer: A statistical pattern that summarizes outcomes commonly observed across many people.

Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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