Lecture Notes

Housekeeping

• Announcements
  • Eric Erickson's PowerPoint notes are now consistent with the textbook.
  • Discrepancy with AP Psychology book numbers resolved.
  • Test on Thursday covering a lot of memorization.
  • Gift: Thurnstone's specific mental abilities NOT on test.
  • Reminder to use memorization strategies from syllabus.
• Classroom Etiquette
  • Reminder about personal hygiene and class conduct.
  • Avoid extended in-class conversations that may distract others.
• Test Details
  • Written question topic will be discussed at the end of the class.

Gender Development

• Key Terms
  • Gender Identity: One's sense of being male or female.
  • Gender Constancy: Understanding gender as a permanent trait.
  • Sex Role Stereotypes: Beliefs about gender-appropriate behaviors.
  • Sex Typing: Differential treatment based on gender.
• Parental Influence
  • Studies show differential treatment of sons and daughters.
  • Effects on self-perception in children.

Moral Development

• Moral Philosophy vs. Moral Psychology
  • Moral philosophers ask conceptual questions about morality.
  • Moral psychologists focus on moral decision-making processes.
• Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
  • Pre-conventional: Action judged by personal consequences.
  • Conventional: Action judged by social rules and laws.
  • Post-conventional: Action judged by internal principles.
  • Criticisms: Cultural and gender bias.
• The Trolley Problem
  • Utilitarian vs. Deontological perspectives.
  • Studies on moral judgment using dilemmas.

Adolescence and Development

• Characteristics
  • Primary vs. Secondary Sex Characteristics
  • Neural development: Limbic system and frontal lobes.
• Adolescent Egocentrism
  • Personal Fable: Overestimating uniqueness of experiences.
  • Imaginary Audience: Belief that others are constantly watching.
• Post-formal Thought
  • Recognition of conflicting values and trade-offs in decision-making.

Intellectual Changes with Age

• Crystallized vs. Fluid Intelligence
  • Crystallized intelligence remains stable or increases.
  • Fluid intelligence and processing speed decline.
• Identity vs. Role Confusion (Erikson)
  • Stages: Identity diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, achievement.

Marriage and Family

• Diversity and Effects
  • Increasing diversity in family structures.
  • Positive correlation between marriage and well-being.
  • Marital satisfaction follows a U-shape pattern.
  • Children impact on marital satisfaction.

Grief and Dying

• Five Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

Upcoming Test Details

• Test Structure
  • 40 multiple choice questions from chapters 10 and 12.
  • Written question on reliability and validity.
  • Requires understanding of IQ calculations.
• Preparation Tips
  • Be familiar with adult attachment styles.
  • Review memorization strategies.