Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Heredity, Visual Acuity, Romanian Orphans

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

4 broad issues guide developmental research: nature and nurture, critical and sensitive periods, continuity verses discontinuity (is development continuous and gradual or discontinuous, progressing through stages, stability vs. change. Critical period an age range in which certain experiences must occur for development to proceed normally or along a certain path. Sensitive period is an optimal age range for certain experiences, but if those experiences occur at another time, normal development will still be possible. Cross-sectional design research design that simultaneously compares people of different ages at a particular point in time. Longitudinal design repeatedly tests the same cohort as it grows older. We can repeatedly test several age cohorts as they grow older and determine whether they follow a similar development pattern. Three stages: germinal stage: first 2 weeks sperm fertilizes egg, produces zygote, embryotic stage: up to week 8 placenta and umbilical cord form. Placenta allows nutrients to flow to cord and cord gives nutrients to baby.