Exam 1: An Introduction to Child Development

Researchers who believe development is gradual, with achievements at one level building on those of previous levels, would be characterized as __________ theorists.

Natalie believes that development proceeds gradually, or is the result of __________ change, whereas Mika believes development is stage-like, or the result of __________ change.

A specific time when organisms are particularly susceptible to certain kinds of stimuli in their environments is referred to as __________.

The influx of immigrants from Mexico into border communities often requires school districts to find ways to meet the needs of immigrant families. Specifically, many public schools are implementing preschool programs for children with limited English proficiency in an effort to teach these children English, so that they will be better equipped to participate in the classroom. This is an example of a __________ event.

The degree to which a developing behavior or physical structure is modifiable is referred to as __________.

Identify and explain the key issues and questions in the field of child development.

A developmental psychologist conducting research on language development is focused on __________.

When Olga was a young child, she fell off her bike and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Rather than suffering permanent brain damage, she made a full recovery. This is an example of __________.

Describe the nature-versus-nurture issue.

What are the implications of the nature-nurture issue for childrearing and social policy?

Read the section covering the nature-versus-nurture issue. Observe some of the physical and behavioral traits and characteristics of your child and describe these in your journal. Also, think back to some of your own behaviors and traits as a child. Have you noticed any similarities? If so, do you think these behaviors and traits are the result of genetics, the environment, or both? Explain.

Sam often characterizes his grandparents' generation as being tightfisted with money. He believes that they have trouble spending money because they grew up during the Depression. The Depression is a common event to this cohort and is known as a __________.

Ultimately, we should consider the two sides of the nature-nurture issue as __________.

Identify three future trends likely to emerge in the field of child development.

Examine the research on violence. What causes children to be violent? What are the effects of violence on children? How can we reduce violence toward children?

Shirin came down with a case of rubella in the eleventh week of pregnancy. As a result, her child was born blind. On the other hand, Sohair came down with a case of rubella in the thirtieth week of pregnancy. As a result, her child was unaffected. Shirin's child was exposed during a(n) __________ in development.

A psychologist believes that humans are basically good. Which philosopher likely influenced this psychologist's view?

Changes in a child's height as he or she ages is an example of __________ change.

Describe the use of baby biographies to study children.

Dr. Spratt studies gross motor development in children; specifically, Dr. Spratt is interested in how children's ball throwing changes over the course of development. He is interested in studying __________.