(from Chap 4 through 4-9 and section 5-3 in Chap 5)
What developmental psychology is and what some of the major issues
of this field are
(Nature-nurture, stability vs change, continuity vs
discontinuity/stages in development)
basic genetics and heredity (chromosomes, DNA, genes, genome, sex
determination, inheriting traits from our parents, identical vs
fraternal twins)(discussed on 66-72 in our biological chapter)
interaction of environment with heredity
epigenetics
fertilization; placenta; stages of prenatal development
(zygote, embryo, fetus)
other prenatal influences on development( teratogens; sex hormones);
fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal tobacco syndrome
genetically programmed (nature) reflexes, sensory function in
newborns; capabilities of the newborn; continued brain development
infant temperament
motor development, maturation vs learning; developmental norms
cephalocaudal pattern of motor development, proximodistal pattern
sex chromosomes
Sexual differentiation, androgens like testosterone, MIH, effects of
early sex hormones on sexual orientation/gender role development
(extra pages 110-112, 120-129)
factors affecting sexual orientation
brain differences in males vs females; brain differences in
gays compared to straights
the birth order or "older brother" effect
evidence of genetic effects on sexual orientation
how sexual differentiation of the body can sometimes not match
sexual differentiation of the brain
intersex
gender differences in behavior
evolution, natural selection and gender differences
Attachment research ( Harlow's monkey research; surrogate mothers,
contact comfort, effects of lack of normal social experience)
signs of secure vs insecure attachment of human infants, separation
and stranger anxieties
parenting styles
Piaget's stages of cognitive development and their characteristic
behaviors (sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational,
formal operations)
object permanence, egocentrism, conservation abilities (what do
these refer to and when are they seen)
schema or mental categories
assimilation and accommodation
evaluation of Piaget’s theory
(from Chap 13)
what is personality
what does Freud’s psychodynamic theory of personality emphasize
Freud's stages of psychosexual development and their characteristics
fixation
Oedipus Complex/Electra complex
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
unconscious forces and unconscious motivation
Techniques to reveal the unconscious (free association, dream
interpretation, Freudian slips)
projective personality tests (Rorschach, TAT)
Reliability and validity of personality tests is there research
evidence that the tests are actually useful
criticisms of projective 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")
self-concept
real vs ideal self; positive regard (conditional and unconditional)
pros and cons of humanistic approach
Trait theory approach to personality
The big 5 (openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness,
neuroticism (emotional stability))
person- situation interaction
genetic influences on personality ; twin research and adoption
research
Objective personality inventories (MMPI, Cattell’s 16PF)
Behavioral (Learning Theory) perspective on personality:
1)Strict behavioral view - B.f. Skinner - learned response
tendencies in situational contexts
2)Social cognitive theory; environmental factors
(reinforcement/learning in particular situations) x
cognitive/personal
factors x behavior/actions all interacting in a reciprocal fashion
some example of cognitions that can affect how you behave (locus of
control, ability to delay gratification, self-efficacy)
criticisms of social-cognitive theory