All Flashcards
Compare cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs.
Cross-sectional studies compare different age groups at one time, while longitudinal studies follow the same individuals over time. Cross-sectional studies are quicker but can't show individual development; longitudinal studies are time-consuming but reveal individual changes.
Compare continuous and discontinuous development.
Continuous development is gradual and incremental, while discontinuous development occurs in distinct stages. Continuous development is like a smooth slope, while discontinuous development is like a staircase.
Compare the emphasis of nature vs. nurture in shaping development.
Nature emphasizes genetic and biological factors, while nurture emphasizes environmental and experiential factors. Both interact to influence development.
Compare stability and change in the context of personality development.
Stability refers to consistent personality traits over time, while change refers to how personality evolves with age and experience. Both are part of personality development.
Compare chronological and thematic approaches to studying development.
Chronological development focuses on the timing and sequence of changes, while thematic development focuses on overarching issues and patterns. Both provide different perspectives on the developmental process.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sectional studies.
Advantages: quick data collection. Disadvantages: cannot determine if changes are due to development.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of longitudinal studies.
Advantages: reveals developmental changes within individuals. Disadvantages: time-consuming, participant dropout.
Compare the roles of genes and environment in determining intelligence.
Genes provide a potential range for intelligence, while environment influences where within that range an individual's intelligence falls.
Compare the effects of authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles.
Authoritative parenting leads to higher self-esteem and independence, while authoritarian parenting can lead to anxiety and lower independence.
Compare the impacts of early and late maturation on adolescent development.
Early maturation can lead to social advantages for boys but increased risk of anxiety for girls, while late maturation can lead to feelings of inadequacy for boys and social disadvantages for girls.
What is the effect of genetic predispositions on personality development?
Genetic predispositions can influence temperament and certain personality traits, making some individuals more prone to specific behaviors or emotional responses.
What is the effect of early childhood experiences on adult mental health?
Early childhood experiences, such as trauma or nurturing relationships, can have long-lasting effects on adult mental health, influencing vulnerability to mental disorders or resilience.
What effect does parenting style have on a child's social development?
Authoritative parenting is associated with higher self-esteem and social skills, while authoritarian parenting may lead to anxiety and lower independence.
What is the impact of peer influence on adolescent behavior?
Peer influence can significantly impact adolescent behavior, leading to conformity, experimentation with risky behaviors, and the adoption of group norms.
What are the effects of chronic stress on cognitive development?
Chronic stress can impair cognitive development, leading to difficulties with attention, memory, and executive functions.
What is the effect of nutrition on physical growth?
Adequate nutrition supports optimal physical growth, while malnutrition can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays.
What impact does socioeconomic status have on educational outcomes?
Lower socioeconomic status is often associated with poorer educational outcomes due to limited access to resources and opportunities.
What is the effect of early language exposure on language acquisition?
Early and frequent language exposure promotes faster and more comprehensive language acquisition, enhancing vocabulary and grammar skills.
What are the effects of screen time on attention span?
Excessive screen time, especially with fast-paced content, can shorten attention spans and impair the ability to focus on tasks.
What is the impact of cultural norms on gender role development?
Cultural norms shape expectations and behaviors related to gender roles, influencing how individuals perceive and express their gender identity.
How is the nature vs. nurture debate relevant to understanding individual differences?
It helps explain how genetics and environment contribute to variations in personality, intelligence, and behavior.
How can understanding continuous vs. discontinuous development inform educational practices?
It can guide the design of curricula that either build gradually on existing knowledge or introduce new concepts in distinct stages.
How are longitudinal studies used in understanding the effects of early childhood experiences?
Following individuals from childhood to adulthood helps researchers understand how early experiences shape long-term outcomes in areas like mental health and academic achievement.
How can cross-sectional studies be used to study age-related cognitive changes?
By comparing cognitive abilities across different age groups, researchers can identify patterns of cognitive decline or improvement associated with aging.
Give an example of how nature and nurture interact to influence height.
Genes determine potential height, but nutrition impacts whether that potential is reached.
How can the concept of stability vs. change be applied to understanding career development?
It helps understand how career interests and skills may remain stable over time, while job roles and responsibilities change as individuals gain experience.
How can understanding nature vs. nurture inform interventions for children at risk?
It can guide the development of interventions that address both genetic predispositions and environmental factors to promote positive outcomes.
How can the continuous vs. discontinuous debate inform approaches to therapy?
It can influence whether therapy focuses on gradual skill-building or addressing distinct stages of emotional or cognitive development.
How can longitudinal studies inform public policy?
By tracking individuals over time, these studies can provide evidence-based insights into the long-term effects of social programs and policies.
How can cross-sectional studies be used to assess the impact of technology on different age groups?
Comparing technology use and its effects across different age groups can reveal how technology influences cognitive and social development at various life stages.