U1 AOS1

• Aim: The overall goal or purpose of a study, what researchers are trying to achieve
• Hypothesis: A testable prediction or statement about the expected outcome of a study
• Independent Variable (IV): The variable manipulated or changed by the researcher
• Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured and affected by the independent variable
• Results: The findings or outcomes of a study based on collected data
• Conclusions: The final analysis or interpretation of results, what can be inferred from the findings
• Population/Sample: The entire group of individuals a study's findings are meant to generalize to, or a subset studied
• Control & Experimental Groups: The control group does not receive treatment, while the experimental group does
• Development: The process of growth and change that occurs throughout the lifespan
• Lifespan Development: The study of how people grow, change, and stay the same from birth to death
• Areas of Development:

  • Emotional: The development of emotions, feelings, and understanding of self and others
  • Cognitive: The development of thinking, learning, memory, problem-solving, and language
  • Social: The development of social skills, relationships, and understanding of social norms
• Developmental Norms: Typical or average expectations for development at different ages
• Factors that Influence Development:

  • Heredity (Nature): Genetic inheritance from biological parents influencing traits and characteristics
  • Environment (Nurture): Surroundings, experiences, and interactions shaping development
• The Biopsychosocial Model: A holistic approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors in development
• Biological Factors: Physical aspects of development influenced by genetics, brain structure, hormones, and health
• Psychological Factors: Mental and emotional aspects of development, including cognition, emotions, personality, and behavior
• Social Factors: External influences from interactions with others, social norms, culture, family dynamics, and societal expectations
• Typical Behavior: Actions, thoughts, or feelings considered normal or expected within a context or age group
• Atypical Behavior: Actions, thoughts, or feelings deviating from what is considered normal or expected
• Perspectives on Typical and Atypical Behavior:

  • Cultural Perspective: Views on what is considered normal or abnormal can vary across different cultures
  • Social Norms: Unwritten rules or expectations about how individuals should behave in society
• Statistical Rarity: Behaviors that are rare or uncommon in the general population
• Personal Distress: When an individual experiences significant emotional or psychological discomfort due to their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
• Maladaptive Behavior: Actions, thoughts, or feelings that are harmful or interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life
• Abnormality & Normality: The distinction between behaviors, thoughts, or feelings considered outside of the norm (abnormal) and those within the expected range (normal)
• Neurotypicality: Describes individuals whose neurological development and thought patterns are within the typical range
• Neurodiversity: The idea that neurological differences are natural variations of the human brain, rather than deficits or disorders
• Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
• Characteristics of ADHD:

  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
• Types of ADHD:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
  • Combined Presentation
• Risks and Contributing Factors for ADHD:

  • Biological
  • Psychological
  • Social
• Psychologists: Professionals trained in the study of human behavior and mental processes
• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental health who can diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions
• Other Mental Health Organizations/Workers: Professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting mental health and providing support and resources
• Labelling: The process of assigning a name or category to a person based on their behavior or characteristics
• Stigma: Negative beliefs, attitudes, or stereotypes leading to discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions
• Self-Stigma: When individuals internalize negative beliefs about themselves based on societal stigma
• Social Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs about mental health conditions held by society as a whole