Understanding Late Adulthood and Aging
The Later Years
The period of late adulthood is a subject of study in gerontology. Gerontology, the scientific study of the processes and phenomena of aging, provides answers to many questions about this life stage. Sociologists are particularly interested in social gerontology, the study of the nonphysical aspects of the aging process.
Change Continues
People are now living longer. Life at age 65 is very different from life at 85. In recognition of this fact, gerontologists place individuals aged
Read MoreOperant Conditioning: Principles, Reinforcement, and Learning
The essential feature of operant conditioning lies in the reinforcement (e.g., food) received for a specific operant behavior (e.g., pressing a toggle). Operant conditioning reflects the fact that an animal operates, or acts, within its natural or laboratory environment to produce an effect. This effect determines whether the animal repeats the response or continues to behave as before.
Operant conditioning is a learning theory that attempts to explain new behaviors. It proposes that such behaviors
Read MoreUnderstanding Family Structures and Dynamics
Cope with – enfrentarse a
Extended family – composed of parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and other family members who live in the same HOUSEHOLD
Stepfamily/blended – the children are not biologically related to one of the parents. The parents have a new partner or spouse due to divorce or death
Single-parents: lone parent family, it is made up of one parent who is raising one or more children by him or herself
Childless family – husband and wife, but doesn’t include children
Nuclear – traditional
Read MoreUnderstanding Self-Concept, Perception, and Social Influence
Understanding Self-Concept and Social Psychology
Self-Concept: Beliefs about yourself; who you are (e.g., student, sibling, athlete). Introspection is the process of looking inward and reporting thoughts, sensations, and perceptions. Limitations: data obtained through introspection is open-ended rather than objective. Introspection was important because it showed that humans could be studied scientifically.
Overjustification Effect: The effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes
Read MoreHuman Evolution: From Primates to Homo Sapiens
Act III. The Man
Scene I. The Cradle of Africa
The Evolutionary Advantages of the Clavicle
The clavicle expands the rib cage, increasing the reach of the upper limbs. This improved grip for climbing trees and enhanced the efficiency of gathering food.
Is There a Missing Link Between Ape and Man?
Evidence suggests that the descendants of apes led to the birth of our ancestors.
Evidence Pointing to the African Origin of Man
A large number of fossils and chronological evidence found in Africa suggests that
Read MoreChild Development and Perception: A Comprehensive Summary
Chapter 4: Child Development
Newborn (0-5 Months)
Communicates primarily through crying and facial expressions.
5-7 Months
Begins babbling and intentional vocalizations using consonants and vowels, but without meaning.
12-18 Months
Starts using words, often in the form of holophrases (single words conveying a whole idea).
18-24 Months
Develops telegraphic speech, combining words in a logical syntax, but not forming complete sentences.
18+ Months
Shows a tendency to overgeneralize grammar rules, applying them
Read More