PSYC 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Escalator, Fetus, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Document Summary
Developmental psychology- a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span. Zygote- the fertilized egg; it 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo. Embryo- the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month. Fetus- the developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth. Teratogens- (literally, monster maker ) agents, such as toxins, chemicals, and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during pre- natal development and cause harm. Fetal alcohol syndrome (fas)- physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman"s heavy drinking. In severe cases, symptoms include noticeable facial misproportions. As infants gain familiarity with repeated exposure to a visual stimulus, their interest wanes and they look away sooner. Maturation- biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience.
