Lecture notes regarding genetic traits, brain development, the Harlow monkey studies, Mary Ainsworth's strange situation experiment, and the different attachment styles.
PSYCH 101 Lecture Notes
Boise State University
Genetic Traits
If a trait is 100% genetic (no environmental components), and one identical twin has it, what is
the probability that the other one will? What about fraternal twins? (General question)
*Regardless of whether the trait is psychological or biological
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Identical twins: 100% - every set of identical twins has identical genes
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Fraternal twins: less than 100% - genes will not be identical, but may be similar
Development:
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Physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifetime
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Example: puberty
Developmental psychology: what is the normal range of growth that humans experience?
Infant brain development:
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Neural networks are determined by genetics, but changes can happen
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Having enriched environments are essential for healthy development in early life
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Comparison: rats’ brain cells in impoverished environments have fewer branches than
rats in enriched environments
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When neural networks are used, they get stronger
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Brain prunes neural networks that aren’t being used (related to brain rerouting unused
areas)
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Not only do we need food and water to grow, but also creative engagement and social
interaction, positive experiences, friendships, etc
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Network/neural pathway building is key
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Stimulating environment (including touch) is needed for optimal development and
networking
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Critical Period: optimal period where exposure to certain stimuli produces normal
development. You need to use certain neural networks or else you won’t gain them back.
For example, healthy interactions with parents influences healthy attachment.
Critical Period:
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Important for language and sight
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Example 1: Visual development happens from visual stimuli to the brain
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Example 2: Feral kids who live with animals tend to behave like animals, and normal
language ability will be stunted
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Use it or lose it approach to neural networks
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