(from Module 17)
What developmental psychology is and what some of the basic issues
of this field are
(Nature-nurture, stability vs change, continuity vs discontinuity in
development)
longitudinal vs cross-sectional methods of developmental research
fertilization; placenta; stages of prenatal development (germinal
embryonic, fetal)
basic genetics ( see also p. 68)(chromosomes, genes, sex determination,
inheriting traits from our parents, identical vs fraternal twins,
amniocentesis
& genetic testing
other prenatal influences on development( teratogens; sex hormones);
fetal alcohol syndrome
genetically programmed reflexes and sensory function; capabilities
of the newborn
proximodistal and cephalocaudal principles; maturation vs learning;
developmental norms
Sexual differentiation, androgens, MIS, effects of early sex hormones
on sexual orientation/gender role development (see also 338-343)
social and cognitive aspects of gender identity (social role theory
and cognitive developmental theory; gender schemas)
gender differences in behavior
evidence of genetic effects on sexual orientation
limitations of research on genetic basis of sexual orientation
Attachment research ( Harlow's monkey research; secure vs insecure
attachment of human infants, separation and stranger anxieties)
Kagan’s temperament research
Social cognitive theory of development
Piaget's stages of cognitive development and their characteristic
behaviors
(sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operations)
object permanence, egocentrism, conservation abilities
assimilation and accommodation
evaluation of Piaget’s theory
Freud's stages of psychosexual development and their characteristics
fixation
Oedipus Complex/Electra complex, penis envy, castration anxiety
(from Modules 19-20)
what is personality
what does Freud’s psychodynamic theory of personality emphasize
unconscious forces and unconscious motivation
Techniques to reveal the unconscious
Freud's view of personality (parts of personality and their
characteristics)
Unconscious conflicts as sources of anxiety or emotional distress
different defense mechanisms to reduce or avoid distress
Freud’s impact; criticisms of Freudian theory
projective personality tests (Rorschach, TAT)
criticisms of projective tests
validity and reliability of psychological tests
Humanistic perspective
Maslow's hierarchy of needs
meeting deficency needs before you can work on growth needs
self-actualization
Carl roger's self theory (also called "person-centered")
real vs ideal self; positive regard (conditional and unconditional)
pros and cons of humanistic approach
Behavioral (Learning Theory) perspective on personality:
1)Strict behavioral view - B.f. Skinner - learned response tendencies
in situational contexts
2)Social cogntive theory; environmental factors
(reinforcement/learningin
particular situations) x cognitive/personal
factors x behavior/actions all interacting
some example of cognitions that can affect how you behave (locus of
control, ability to delay gratification, self-efficacy)
criticisms of social-cognitive theory
Trait theory approach to personality
Allport’s research, Cattell’s research
Is personality stable or changeable?
The big 5 (openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness,
neuroticism (emotional stability))
person- situation interaction
genetic influences on personality
Objective personality tests (MMPI, Cattell’s 16PF)
Reliability and validity of personality tests