Question

part 1 – key terms
match the term with its correct definition:

development
developmental psychologist
learning
maturation
doctrine of original sin
doctrine of innate purity
doctrine of tabula rasa
nature vs. nurture
continuity theorists
discontinuity theorists

a. believe development happens in clear, separate stages.
b. changes caused by biology or natural growth (ex: puberty).
c. believe children are born good.
d. believe children are born bad and must be corrected.
e. the study of how humans grow and change across the lifespan.
f. changes caused by experiences (ex: riding a bike).
g. debate over whether heredity or environment shapes us more.
h. believe children are born as a “blank slate.”
i. gradual and ongoing growth and change.
j. all of the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes over a lifetime.

part 2 – short answer

1. what are the five major stages of development?
2. give one example of learning and one example of maturation.

learning: _______________
maturation: _______________

1. what do developmental psychologists study?
2. how might childhood experiences affect adulthood?

part 3 – reflection / critical thinking
(answer in 2–3 sentences)

1. do you think children are born good, bad, or as a blank slate? explain your answer.

exit ticket
do you think your own personality and habits now will stay the same into adulthood? why or why not?

Explanation:

Part 1 - Key Terms Matching

1. Development: J (All of the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes over a lifetime.)
2. Developmental Psychologist: E (The study of how humans grow and change across the lifespan.)
3. Learning: F (Changes caused by experiences (ex: riding a bike).)
4. Maturation: B (Changes caused by biology or natural growth (ex: puberty).)
5. Doctrine of Original Sin: D (Believe children are born bad and must be corrected.)
6. Doctrine of Innate Purity: C (Believe children are born good.)
7. Doctrine of Tabula Rasa: H (Believe children are born as a "blank slate".)
8. Nature vs. Nurture: G (Debate over whether heredity or environment shapes us more.)
9. Continuity Theorists: I (Gradual and ongoing growth and change.)
10. Discontinuity Theorists: A (Believe development happens in clear, separate stages.)

Part 2 - Short Answer

1. What are the five major stages of development?

The five major stages of development are: Infancy (birth to 2 years), Early Childhood (2 to 6 years), Middle Childhood (6 to 12 years), Adolescence (12 to 18 years), and Adulthood (18+ years, which can be further divided into early, middle, and late adulthood).

1. Give one example of learning and one example of maturation.

• Learning: A child learning to read after being taught phonics and practicing with books.
• Maturation: A child’s teeth erupting (growing in) as part of natural physical development.

1. What do developmental psychologists study?

Developmental psychologists study how humans grow, change, and develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially across their entire lifespan, from conception to old age.

1. How might childhood experiences affect adulthood?

Childhood experiences, such as trauma, supportive relationships, or educational opportunities, can shape adult personality, mental health, social skills, and even physical health (e.g., chronic stress from childhood adversity may lead to health issues later). Positive experiences can foster resilience, while negative ones may create challenges that require coping strategies in adulthood.

Part 3 - Reflection / Critical Thinking

1. Do you think children are born good, bad, or as a blank slate? Explain your answer.

I believe children are born as a "blank slate" (supporting the Doctrine of Tabula Rasa). At birth, they have no inherent moral labels of "good" or "bad"—their behaviors, values, and personality traits are shaped primarily by their environment, experiences, and the guidance they receive as they grow. For example, a child raised in a nurturing, ethical environment is more likely to develop prosocial behaviors, while one in a neglectful or harmful environment may struggle with social or moral development.

Exit Ticket

Do you think your own personality and habits now will stay the same into adulthood? Why or why not?
My personality and habits may change into adulthood, as development is ongoing. While some core traits might remain, life experiences, new responsibilities, and personal growth (e.g., learning from mistakes or pursuing new goals) can reshape habits and even aspects of personality. For example, I may become more disciplined or empathetic as I navigate adult challenges like career, relationships, or community involvement.

Answer:

Part 1 - Key Terms Matching

1. Development: J (All of the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes over a lifetime.)
2. Developmental Psychologist: E (The study of how humans grow and change across the lifespan.)
3. Learning: F (Changes caused by experiences (ex: riding a bike).)
4. Maturation: B (Changes caused by biology or natural growth (ex: puberty).)
5. Doctrine of Original Sin: D (Believe children are born bad and must be corrected.)
6. Doctrine of Innate Purity: C (Believe children are born good.)
7. Doctrine of Tabula Rasa: H (Believe children are born as a "blank slate".)
8. Nature vs. Nurture: G (Debate over whether heredity or environment shapes us more.)
9. Continuity Theorists: I (Gradual and ongoing growth and change.)
10. Discontinuity Theorists: A (Believe development happens in clear, separate stages.)

Part 2 - Short Answer

1. What are the five major stages of development?

The five major stages of development are: Infancy (birth to 2 years), Early Childhood (2 to 6 years), Middle Childhood (6 to 12 years), Adolescence (12 to 18 years), and Adulthood (18+ years, which can be further divided into early, middle, and late adulthood).

1. Give one example of learning and one example of maturation.

• Learning: A child learning to read after being taught phonics and practicing with books.
• Maturation: A child’s teeth erupting (growing in) as part of natural physical development.

1. What do developmental psychologists study?

Developmental psychologists study how humans grow, change, and develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially across their entire lifespan, from conception to old age.

1. How might childhood experiences affect adulthood?

Childhood experiences, such as trauma, supportive relationships, or educational opportunities, can shape adult personality, mental health, social skills, and even physical health (e.g., chronic stress from childhood adversity may lead to health issues later). Positive experiences can foster resilience, while negative ones may create challenges that require coping strategies in adulthood.

Part 3 - Reflection / Critical Thinking

1. Do you think children are born good, bad, or as a blank slate? Explain your answer.

I believe children are born as a "blank slate" (supporting the Doctrine of Tabula Rasa). At birth, they have no inherent moral labels of "good" or "bad"—their behaviors, values, and personality traits are shaped primarily by their environment, experiences, and the guidance they receive as they grow. For example, a child raised in a nurturing, ethical environment is more likely to develop prosocial behaviors, while one in a neglectful or harmful environment may struggle with social or moral development.

Exit Ticket

Do you think your own personality and habits now will stay the same into adulthood? Why or why not?
My personality and habits may change into adulthood, as development is ongoing. While some core traits might remain, life experiences, new responsibilities, and personal growth (e.g., learning from mistakes or pursuing new goals) can reshape habits and even aspects of personality. For example, I may become more disciplined or empathetic as I navigate adult challenges like career, relationships, or community involvement.