Development
The pattern of movement or change that begins at conception and continues through the human life span
life span perspective
the perspective that development is lifelong , multi: dimensional , directional , plastic , disciplinary , and contextual ; involves growth , maintenance and regulation , and is constructed through biological , sociocultural , and individual factors worki
Normative age-graded influences
influences that are similar for individuals in a particular age group .
Normative history-graded influneces
influences that are common to people of a particular generation b/c of historical circumstances
normative life events
unusual occurrences that have a major impact
Culture
encompasses the behavior patterns , beliefs , and all other products of a particular group of people that are passed on from generation to generation.
Cross-cultural studies
compare aspects of two or more cultures . The comparison provides info about the degree to which development is similar , or universal , across cultures , or is instead culture specific .
Ethnicity
a characteristic based on cultural heritage , nationality characteristics , race , religion, and language .
Socioeconomic status ( SES)
refers to the grouping of people with similar occupational , educational ,and economic characteristics
Gender
the characteristics of people as males or females
Social policy
A national governments course of action designed to promote the welfare of its citizens
Biological Processes
Changes in an individuals physical nature
Cognitive Processes
Changes in an individual's thought , intelligence , and language
Socioemotional Processes
Changes in an individuals relationships with other people, emotions , and personality
developmental period
refers to a time frame in a person's life that is characterized by certain features .
prenatal period
the time from conception to birth . It involved tremendous growth from a single cell to an organism complete with brain and behavioral capabilities and takes place in approx . a 9 month period
Infancy
the developmental from birth to 18 or 24 months . Extreme dependence upon adults . Many psychological activities language , symbolic thought ,sensorimotor coordination , and social learning are just beginning
Early Childhood
the developmental period from 3 through 5 years of age . This period is sometimes called the " preschool years ". During this time young children learn to become more self-sufficent and to care for themselves , develop school readiness skills , and spend
Middle and Late Childhood
the developmenal period from about 6 to 10 or 11 years of age . Approx. corresponding to the elementary school years . During this period children master the fundamental skills of reading , writing and math and are formally exposed to the larger world and
Adolescence
is the developmental period of transition from childhood to early adulthood , entered at approx. 10 to 12 years of age and ending at 18 to 21 years of age . Adolescences begins with rapid physical changes dramatic gains in height and weight, changes in bo
Early Adulthood
the period that begins in the early 20s and lasts through the 30s . It is a time of establishing personal and economic independence , advancing in a career , and for many , selecting a mate , learning to live with a person in an intimate way and starting
Middle Adulthood
the period from apppox. 40 to about 60 years of age . It is a time of expanding personal and social involvement and responsibility of assisting the next generation in becoming competent , mature individuals , and of reaching and maintaining satisfaction i
Late Adulthood
the period that begins in the 60s or 70s and lasts until death . It is a time of life review , retirement and adjustment to new social roles and diminishing strength and health .
Four Ages
First Age : Childhood and Adolescence
Second Age : Prime adulthood , ages 20 -29
Third Age : Approx : 60-79 years of age
Fourth Age : Appox. 80 years and older
Nature-Nurture Issue
Debate about whether development is primarily influenced by nature or nurture . Nature refers to and organism's biological inheritance , nurture to its environmental experiences