PSYC 110 : Psychology.docx
Document Summary
Developmental psych: the study of progressive changes in behavior and abilities from conception to death. (womb to tomb: nature vs. nurture (nothing but biological vs. environment and parents) twin studies, stages of development, stability and change. Zygote: fertilized egg, 2 wk period of rapid cell growth (1/2 survive past this point) Embryo: developing human organism from 2-8wks after conception. Fetus: developing human organism from 9wks until birth. Mother"s (xx) egg always contributes an x chromosome. Fathers (xy) sperm contributes either and x or a y. Xx= no additional hormones secreted, baby girl. Germinal period- fertilization to implantation: prenatal development. Developmental stage in which a human experiences the quickest growth. Prenatal development adversely affected by the environment. Teratogens: environmental agents that can harm a developing child: ex. Fetal alcohol syndrome (fas): pattern of birth complications and defects resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, leading cause of mental retardation. (5,000-12,000 babies born a year w/fas),
