PSY210H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Observer-Expectancy Effect, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Birth Weight
Document Summary
New born phase (postnatal period following birth) Hereditary-environmental interactions: role of heredity and maturational factors vs. role of learning and experience, after 1926, watson behaviorists flourish, contemporary psychologist see interaction of both in development genes help shape environment and environments influence genes. Range of reaction: heredity does not rigidly fix behaviour but instead establishes a range of possible developmental outcomes that may occur in response to different environments. There is a dosage and exposure effects. Teratogens and timing of their effects on prenatal development: most serious damage from teratogens in first 2-8 weeks. Environmental dangers-illegal drugs: heroin, cocaine and other drugs. Lower iq scores, poor school performance, higher risk for dependency. Increases risk of sids (sudden infant death syndrome) problems later in life: alcohol. Preterm infant: born prior to 38 weeks after conception: weight is appropriate for gestational age. Number and severity of problems increase as birth weight and age-at-birth decreases.
