AP Psychology Flashcards: Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a longitudinal research method?
A longitudinal method is a research design that involves studying the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period.
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What is a longitudinal research method?
A longitudinal method is a research design that involves studying the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period.
How does cross-sectional research help psychologists understand behavior?
This method informs our understanding of behavior by providing a snapshot of differences between age groups at one specific time, which can suggest developmental trends.
Explain the "continuous vs. discontinuous stages" theme in development.
This theme questions whether development is a slow, gradual process (continuous) or if it proceeds through a sequence of separate, distinct stages (discontinuous).
How does longitudinal research help psychologists understand behavior?
This method informs our understanding of behavior by tracking the same individuals over time, revealing how and why specific behaviors change or remain stable throughout development.
What is the core debate of the "nature vs. nurture" theme?
The nature vs. nurture theme is a debate concerning the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental experiences (nurture) to development.
A researcher tests the problem-solving skills of a group of 1st graders, 3rd graders, and 5th graders in the same week. What research method is this?
This is a cross-sectional research method because it compares different age groups at a single point in time.
To understand how friendships change, a psychologist studies the same group of children from age 5 until age 18. What research method is this?
This is a longitudinal research method because it follows the same group of individuals over a long period.
What is a cross-sectional research method?
A cross-sectional method is a research design that compares different groups of individuals of different ages at a single point in time.
Define developmental psychology.
Developmental psychology is the field concerned with chronological and thematic issues, such as nature vs. nurture, across the human lifespan.
How do enduring themes inform the study of developmental psychology?
Enduring themes like nature vs. nurture provide a foundational framework that guides research questions and helps explain the complexities of behavior across the lifespan.