AP Psychology Development Terminology

AP Psychology Development Terminology Developmental Psychology Study of how people change from birth to old age; changes over the life span that includes thinking, language, intelligence, emotions, & social behavior specifically the hows and whys changes occur Midlife Transition According to Levinson, a process whereby adults assess the past and formulate new goals for the future; taking stock of life Longitudinal Study A method of studying developmental changes by evaluating the same people at different points of their lives, for example every 5 years Prenatal Development Development from conception to birth; fertilization of egg, division of fertilized egg & the process that transforms it from a 1-celled organism to a complex human being; Embryo-2 weeks after fertilization the implanted cells begin to specialize to 3 months: internal organs, muscles and bones, skin and nervous system; Fetus-3 months to birth-1" in length and resembles a human Fetus Prenatal period-3 months-birth; 1" in length and resembles humans with a head, arms/legs, and a heart that beats; by 4 months mother will begin to feel the movements in the uterus. Critical Period first 3 months of pregnancy when external and internal influences have a major effect on development Rooting Reflex Newborn reflex that causes a newborn baby to turn its head toward something that touches its cheek and to grope around with its mouth Swallowing Reflex Newborns ability to swallow milk and other liquids without choking Stepping Reflex Newborn reflex that refers to the fact that very young babies take what looks like walking steps if they are held upright with their feet just touching a flat surface; normally disappears after 2 or 3 months and reemerges later when real walking begins (typically around 1 year of age)