PSYC 7 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Neural Plate, Prenatal Development, Synaptogenesis
Document Summary
Chapter three: tools for exploring the world: physical, Reflexes: the newborn is born with unlearned responses triggered by specific stimuli. Certain reflexes have survival value (rooting, sucking, eye blinks) Other reflexes are developmental recursors to later voluntary motor behaviors. Reflexes reflect the health of the child"s nervous system. Alert inactivity: calm, eyes open and attentive; deliberately inspecting environment. Walking activity: open but unfocused eyes; uncoordinated motions. Crying: cries vigorously; motion is agitated and uncoordinated (3 types) Basic cry (starts softly and builds in volume and intensity, often seen when the child is hungry) Pain cry (starts with a loud wail, followed by a long pause, then gasping) Sleeping: eyes closed; degree of activity and quality of breathing alternate. Newborns sleep an average of 16-18 hours per day. Newborns: 4-hour cycle; 3 hours sleep and 1 hour awake. By 3 to 4 months: 5 to 6 hour cycle. By 6 months: sleep 10 to 12 hours at night.
