Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Visual Acuity, Prenatal Development

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Modern research tells us that, although unfavorable environments can significantly impair development, some children exposed to extreme adversity are highly resilient and thrive later in life. Cross-sectional design: compare people of different ages at the same point in time; this is widely used because data from many group can be collected relatively quickly (but, cohorts grow up in different historical periods) Age of viability: by 28 weeks, fetus is likely to survive outside the womb in case of premature death. The y chromosome contains a specific gene, known as the tdf (testis-determining factor) gene, that triggers male sexual development. At roughly six to eight weeks after conception, tdf gene develop testes. The testes then secrete sex hormones called androgens that continue to direct a male pattern of organ development: this occurs in critical period of prenatal stage. Severe malnutrition is associated with miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, smaller birth size, and impaired prenatal brain development.