Developmental Psychology Across Lifespan Flashcards

Vygotsky's concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:

Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone vs. with guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a learner's independent capability and what they can achieve with skilled assistance.

Which developmental theorist described the 'oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital' stages of development?

Answer: Sigmund Freud

Freud's psychosexual theory proposed five stages centered on erogenous zones and their associated conflicts.

An infant who becomes distressed when a caregiver leaves but is not soothed upon return most likely displays which attachment style?

Answer: Ambivalent/anxious attachment

Ambivalent (resistant) attachment is characterized by high distress at separation and difficulty being comforted upon reunion.

Bronfenbrenner's microsystem includes:

Answer: Direct, face-to-face environments like family and school

The microsystem is the innermost layer consisting of direct interactions in settings such as home, school, and peer groups.

The term 'secular trend' in developmental psychology refers to:

Answer: The tendency for each generation to mature physically earlier than the previous one

The secular trend describes the historical pattern of earlier puberty onset and greater adult height across successive generations, linked to improved nutrition.

Which concept describes a child's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen?

Answer: Object permanence

Object permanence, typically achieved around 8–12 months, is the understanding that objects persist even when out of sight.

Kohlberg's postconventional level of moral reasoning is characterized by:

Answer: Adherence to universal ethical principles beyond specific laws

At the postconventional level, individuals reason according to abstract ethical principles such as justice and human rights, even if they conflict with laws.