Exam 9: Section 3: Lifespan Development

Although all humans have the same basic set of genes, these genes can come in different versions called alleles.

You have 23 chromosomes in each of your body's cells.

A teratogen is a harmful agent or substance that can cause malformations or defects in an embryo or fetus.

Menopause signals the end of reproductive capacity in women.

Early maturation tends to produce a variety of psychological and health advantages for girls.

Carol Gilligan's theory of moral development stressed the importance of an ethic of care and responsibility in women.

Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and premature birth.

Males are more likely than females to display various genetic disorders, such as hemophilia and red-green color blindness.

During the sensorimotor stage the infant acquires a basic understanding of what Piaget called conservation.

The beginning of dating coincides more strongly with an adolescent's degree of physical maturation than with cultural and social expectations and norms.

Most developmental psychologists believe that gene expression is primarily influenced by the fixed, master plan, or genetic blueprint, with which people are born.

In Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning the conventional level is characterized by self-chosen ethical principles that reflect the person's respect for ideals such as nonviolence, equality, and democratically determined laws.

The activity theory of aging contends that life satisfaction in late adulthood is highest when people maintain the level of activity they displayed earlier in life.

In one experimental study, researchers found that newborn rats who were genetically predisposed to be calm and stress-resistant grew up to be nervous, high-strung, and easily stressed adult rats when raised by genetically unrelated, inattentive mothers. The explanation for these results was that epigenetic changes had taken place which changed their brain chemistry and literally "reprogrammed" their behavior.

Different sleeping customs, such as whether infants sleep in the same bed as the parents, reflect different cultural values.

The stepping reflex, grasping reflex, and rooting reflex are present at birth, but as motor areas of the infant's brain develop over the first year of life, these reflexes are replaced by voluntary behaviors.

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development the key psychosocial conflict confronting the adolescent is industry versus inferiority.

Several studies have found that girls raised in homes from which the biological father is absent tend to experience puberty earlier than girls raised in homes with intact families.

Twelve-year-old Jason is getting taller and his voice is deepening. Jason is experiencing the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Today, most psychologists agree that the quality of child care is a key factor in promoting secure attachment in early childhood and preventing problems in later childhood.