What This Document Is
These are chapter notes covering material from Chapter 3 of a General Psychology course (PSY 202) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The notes focus on human development across the lifespan, beginning with prenatal development and extending into infancy. They represent a student’s record of key concepts and supporting details from the course material.
Why This Document Matters
This study guide is valuable for students currently enrolled in PSY 202 who are preparing for exams or quizzes on developmental psychology. It’s particularly useful for reviewing the complex factors influencing development *before* birth and the foundational elements of an infant’s early experiences. It serves as a condensed resource to supplement lectures and the textbook.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes are a personal interpretation of the course material and should not be considered a substitute for attending lectures or reading the assigned textbook. They are not a comprehensive summary of all topics covered in Chapter 3, and may not reflect the instructor’s emphasis on certain areas. This preview does not include all details from the full notes.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes details on:
* Prenatal development stages (zygote, embryo) and the role of hormones.
* The impact of the prenatal environment on development, including maternal and paternal factors.
* Specific harmful influences during pregnancy (Rubella, radiation, HIV, smoking, drugs) and their potential effects.
* Infant reflexes and perceptual abilities (vision, hearing, taste).
* The importance of attachment and contact comfort, referencing the work of Bowlby and Harlow.
* The impact of early experiences (touch, stress) on infant development.
This preview only provides a selection of these topics, focusing on prenatal influences and early infant capabilities. It does *not* include detailed explanations of attachment theory or a complete list of reflexes.