Your name: (Medeiros, Hewelin P.

CHILD 210 Unit 1: Reflective Journal Questions

As you work through the course content, fill each journal entry. Draw information from
the chapter while formulating your response, and make sure to use correct terms and
definitions. Reference information you use form the textbook by citing the page number
in APA formatting.

If you use information from outside the textbook, make sure it is credible and generally
supported by the medical and scientific community with appropriate citation for the
website or video. Avoid anecdotal evidence or opinion. Save your file and turn it in here
before the end of the unit.

1. The nature vs nurture controversy discussed on pages 5 to 7 ended with a

discussion about colicky babies. What is your opinion as to whether colic is nature
or nurture and why?

On page 6, it states that 10 to 20 percent of babies cry and are said to

have colic, it affirms that it is a result of genes. I believe that colic may be
also caused by many other factors, not only genetic. For example, what
the mom eats may go to the breastmilk that may cause colic to the baby.
The way parents treat the colicky baby may also effect the result of that
colic and on the way the child behaves, it may be more crying (for more
pain) or calming down (for relief).
I would agree then, that colic might be nature (from inherited genes); since
studies have proved that and nurture cause the whole context may affect
2. How much variability or plasticity is there in Davids development or your own?

According to pages 20-21, plasticity is the ability to be modeled and or to

be maintained. It means that David could change or could have remained
the same. In his special case, a disease caused blindness and
malformation when he was born. He could just have died after few months
if nothing was done to help. Thanks to the way the doctors and specialists
on the 60s changed their mind about possible changes on human
development, they worked hard to make plasticity possible on him. He was
taught how to:
Craw,
See,
Learn basic knowledge and other languages,
Swim and
Interact with people.
3. Would you be completely or only slightly different if you were raised in an
entirely different setting? What would be the same and what would be different?
I truly believe that if I was raised in a different setting, of course I would be
different. According to page17, the context influences on the developing
child as time goes on. My family and peer group had an important role
on my raising and development, not only on values and principles, but
their influence is present also on my name (the way it is spelled). If they
were more relaxed (because they were very strict), I could have had
different beliefs, a different mother-tongue, I could have learned skills I still
do not know, such as play an instrument. I could have thought that doing
some things some people do is ok, and could have had different
experiences on my life. It definitely depends on how different the setting
would be, but I trust that anything could affect on a significant difference.
4. Name two examples of each of the Bronfenbrenners ecological systems from the
text. How was the context of development different for children in different
cultures (in the video world song)?
On page 18 it is possible to understand better the Bronfenbrenners
ecological systems by observing the figure 1,5. It explains that all
interactions affect significantly each person. It does not matter if it is close
or far from the one, it will affect them in any measure. The closest sphere
is the microsystem, which directly influence the developing person, it is
their family, school, peer group, etc. The farther sphere is the
macrosystem, which includes the social conditions, cultural values, etc.
In the movie, the development is basically the same for all the different
people in different contexts. All of them were born, grew up, went to
school, grew up, had some dates and got married. I could observe that all
the children were born healthily and had the same opportunities even
though there were in different contexts. All of them had opportunity to
explore the world around them while they were little kids. They had
opportunity to receive education, including the blind boy. In their different
contexts, they could develop different skills such as sports and social
interactions necessary for their reality, for example, riding a bike, or a
camel or a sleigh. Some examples: the way they groom themselves, it was
according to the social regulations of what is beautiful for each society;
their wedding ceremony, it was according to their religion and culture; the
way they make their bred and have meals, etc. Different contexts could
make people competent in different areas because they were encouraged

5. Identify the variables and the method. How might Bandura use the scientific
method in his research?
For some reason I could not open the video on the provided link. However,
I searched over the internet and I could find some explanations about the
study. These are the following web sites I looked at:
https://explorable.com/bobo-doll-experiment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=128Ts5r9NRE
https://d2l.deakin.edu.au/d2l/eP/presentations/presentation_preview_popup
.d2l?presId=99522
https://www.simplypsychology.org/bobo-doll.html

I would name this as Experiment because it exposes the participants to

a specific condition and then note whether their behavior changes
(BERGER, 2015, p23).
In this experiment, the variables were some kids that observed or not the
woman punching the bobo doll and some children that did not watch to it.
They were once put in a room with some toys, but suddenly the toys were
removed and only the bobo doll was left there. They had, then, to deal with
their frustrations. The variables were:
Independent variable, also known as the experimental group, is the
consequences of their behaviour.
Dependent variable in this experiment is whether the children
imitate the model based on the vicarious reinforcements that the
model receives.
This experiment also has two control groups. Control groups are the
participants who are not manipulated by any variables and therefore
used as a comparison to the experimental group.
The experiment comprised of four groups: Aggressive Model Reward,
Aggressive Model Punished, Nonaggressive Model and a Control
group with no model
1. Bandura, A., Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1963). Vicarious reinforcement and imitative

6. What are common limitations or problems that cause us to treat research findings
with some caution?
There are three potential hazards: Misinterpreting correlations, depending
too much on numbers, and ignoring ethics.
1) Confuse correlation with causation. Correlation is not the causation,
they seem to be connected, but it does not mean that one causes
the other.
2) There may happen that some scientists would cook that data, or
distort ones findings (BERGER, 2015, p32) in order to achieve
possible rewards for their results.
3) Some scientists in the past ignored their code of ethics (guidelines)
 7. What are the main contributions of psychoanalytic theory? If sexual interest or
the pleasure principles were defined more broadly on pleasure in a general
sense instead of sexual pleasure specifically, would it hold true? Is it a theory that
accurately describes the natural man?

The main contributions of psychoanalytic theory is to make us aware of

the impact of early childhood experiences, remembered or not on
subsequent development (BERGER, 2015. P 61). The most important
people who studied psychoanalytic theory were Freud and Erikson. They
both believed that everything that happened while we were kids somehow
affect our behavior thought life.
I do not believe that if on Freuds theories, sexual interest or the pleasure
principles were defined more broadly on pleasure in a general sense
instead of sexual pleasure specifically, it would it hold true. It needed to
be specified as it was. It would just be an confusing mass of
experiences, otherwise it would not explain how and why. It would be just
a narrow norm.
Theories are constantly being updated, as it happens it is unstable call it
accurate. On my point of view, it describes the human behavior connected

8. What is the difference between operant and classical conditioning? Which is

illustrated in the clip from John Watsons experiment with Little Albert?
The operant conditioning studies what promotes certain behavior; the
reward or punishment tend to condition the repetition or avoidance of the
behavior. Classical conditioning studies and explains the link between
stimulus and response when a meaningful stimulus is associated to a
neutral stimulus. Classical conditioning and operant conditioning can
promote behaviors through stimuli.
In the video about the studies of John Watson, it says that the human being
is shaped by the environment and everything is learned (nurtured). It says
that fears are learned not inherited though the experiment of a child being
shown to animal and was not afraid; when the child was shown to animals
followed by a loud noise, he was upset and consequently afraid. This is an
example of classical conditioning when a natural stimulus (the loud noise)

9. Potty Training: What developmental theories best support or agree with the
advice given? What theories might disagree with the advice given? Why? (ch 2)
The theory that best supports the potty training advice given on the video is
Behaviorism that explains the learning process; after all potty training is a
learning process. Since it is conditioned, the advice given is supported by
Operant Conditioning (never make them feel bad when an accident
happens, always with positive encouragement and reinforcement) and
Classical Conditioning (let the feel the uncomfortableness of wet clothes for
a couple of minutes: neutral stimulus; meaningful stimulus go to the toilet)
 10. What evidence does Vygostsky provide that learning occur best in a social
context? Can you think of examples from you own life?
The learning occurs best in a social context, because it influences how and
what we think. The fact that we are insert on a social context is a necessary
process to regulate our own internal and external behavior. Through
guidance, we can use strategies to enhance our capacities. For example, the
father teaching his daughter how to ride a bike, there is no clear guidance it
develops when she is comfortable and confident.
Learning a second language for me was challenging when I was on high
school, I was not ready for that either the context helped me; the whole
classroom did not have that learning as a main goal, everyone just wanted
to chat chat chat. When I then when to a language school where the main
learning objective was being proficient on a second language, the context
11. How might ADD or ADHD be explained from each of the five theoretical
perspectives (see pg. 62)? What do you see as a strength or weakness
of EACH theory?
Theory Explanation of ADHD (from my Strength or
point of view) weakness (my point
of view)
Psychoanalyt The one had some conflict when it was S: may find unknown
ic theory on the anal phase, because they causes for adult
cannot keep the thoughts in order. problems based on
sexual matters and
stream of thoughts.
W: not all the problems
are rooted on sexual
matters.
Behaviorism The one did not receive enough S: it might bring to the
reinforcements, stimuli and model and light some
now is facing trouble to organize unconscious causes of
thoughts, because learning depends problems by
on conditioning. investigation the
surrounding stimuli on
traumatic situations.
W: thinks of behavior
in a way too much
mechanic, like this is
caused by that and
vice versa. It is not
always like that.
Cognitive The one is passing through a cognitive S: it considers each
theory disequilibrium and it will be adapted induvial and their way
by assimilation or accommodation. of thinking and the
process the mind take
to achieve certain
knowledge
W: the stages do not
need to be connected
to ages; it can be
different for each one.
Sociocultural The one did not receive enough S: the learning process
theory apprenticeship in learning, and it is is considered as a
not enough insert on sociocultural whole with the
environment. The zone of proximal context, everything
development is too far cannot be might influence
mastered. It is not ready yet to master somehow.
the next step yet. W: people might think
differently than the
way their peers do, so
their learning process
cannot be generalized.
Universal The one has this condition because of S: it considerers the
perspective some imbalanced neurotransmitters or human needs in their
a deficit in some particular parts of the development, as the
brain. evolutionary theory
 12.Arrange from smallest to largest the following items: zygote, gene, chromosome,
DNA molecule, cell, nucleus, genome, allele, gamete.
I am not quite sure because this content is a bit abstract for me, but as far
as I understood from the readings, the right order is Gamete, zygote, DNA
molecules, gene, chromosome, allele, nucleus, cell, and genome.

1. http://lreecescience.weebly.com/uploads/9/6/2/9/9629996/genetics_in
tro_ppt.pdf

13.Should parents be able to choose the gender of their child? How would you
respond to the goals of the fertility clinic introduced in the video above? Why?
According to Berger, 2015, in some countries, it is legal to choose the
gender of children; however, unintended consequences happened after
years in those places. My personal opinion about gender choice is that it
should not be allowed and parents should be happy with what nature
brings to them. But, laws against prenatal sex choices might be necessary
if situations and overpopulations are needed.
In the video, the clinic presents 100% success on fertilization process and
gender choosing in their procedures available to all patients. This was only
possible and achieved because of years of studies and tests performed by
the high quality professionals (Doctors in embryology not only assistances)
and the finest materials available. It is also possible because science has
discovered that chromosomes in the sperm (X or Y) define the gender of
the future baby.
d_G-5sCFQ6jagodzDAm-g

14.Why are multiple births so common? What do you see as the solution to the risks
and problems resulting from high order births?
Because when couples want children but they are infertile, they go for
artificial methods to achieve their dream to have a baby. One of these
methods is a drug called Clomid that may cause the release of several ova
at once. Another example, the couple tries in vitro fertilization and many
fertilized ova inserted on the womans uterus. In my opinion, there should
be polices to monitor the artificial procedures and then avoid the multiple
birth when it is not wanted or could not be afforded by the family.

15.Where do the differences found in monozygotic twins stem from? Are dizygotic
twins genetically more alike than other siblings?
As long as monozygotic twins are originated from one zygote, they have
identical genetic instructions. They might be different if they are raised in
different environments. Epigenetic influences (BERGER, 2015, p75)
Dizygotic twins have about half of their genes in common. As they are the
result of multiple ovulation when 2 different ova are fertilized by 2 sperms,
they are as any other siblings but conceived merely at the same.

16.What gene pattern best explains the following traits: eye color, height, color
blindness? Why is it so difficult to predict many traits with a high degree of
accuracy? Explain why more boys have color blindness than girls. What does it
mean to be X-linked?
Eye color and height are usually the result of additive genes. The phenotype
is the observable characteristics of a person, but it depends on genes and
the environment. It is difficult to predict many traits accurately because
there is not one gene/one disorder every trait is polygenic (many genes
may influence) and multifactorial ( different factors as genetic and
environmental), epigenetics influences occur lifelong (BERGER, 2015, P.80)
According to the National Eye Institute of the United States, Men are much
more likely to be colorblind than women because the genes responsible for
the most common, inherited color blindness are on the X chromosome.
Males only have one X chromosome, while females have two X
chromosomes. In females, a functional gene on only one of the X
chromosomes is enough to compensate for the loss on the other. This kind of
inheritance pattern is called X-linked, and primarily affects males. Inherited
color blindness can be present at birth, begin in childhood, or not appear
until the adult years. In other words, boys would have the trait of color
blindness and girls would be carriers,
X-linked is a gene carried on the X chromosome, a special case of the

17. Why cant we tell a persons phenotype from his/her genotype? Are individuals
born as alcoholics or with same-sex attraction? What role does agency play in the
development of the phenotype?
Because all traits are epigenetic, the product of genetic and nongenetic
influences. Individuals may not be born as alcoholics, but they might have
genetic memory to prone to alcoholism.. The use of alcohol may produce
epigenetic changes on their genotype. Remission is possible because
changes cannot be erased. According to Annie Stremer, alcoholics may have
an inclination or tendency in their genes, but they always have the choice.
Alcoholism may represent that a person will metabolize sugar in a different
way. There may also be a tendency to be addicted to it. But there is always
the chance to decide to stay sober. The book does not mention any
moment about same-sex orientation and genetics. However, Annie Stremer
affirms that gender attraction is a different question. She thinks that the
science behind this is still evolving and certainly, if you are born with a
predisposition or inclination towards it you have the choice not to act on it. A
boy or a girl might be inclined to activities which are not common for their
sex. That has nothing to do with sexual attraction. In the end, decision is
what will define a behavior.
Awareness of genetic risks can guide priorities (BERGER, 2015, p88) once

18.What are the common characteristics of the following genetic disorders, Trisomy-
21, Turners syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, fragile X, Huningtons disease,
sickle-cell anemia, Tay-Sachs? Name two genetic diseases for which prenatal
testing is possible. Name two for which it is possible to detect if you are a carrier.
Trisomy-21: Down syndrome. The person has 3 copies of chromosome 21. They have
specific physical characteristics. A thick tongue, round face, and slanted eyes as well as
distinctive hands, feet, and fingertips. Heart problems, heart abnormalities, muscle
weakness and short stature are also characteristics. (BERGER, 2015, p. 90)
Turners syndrome: Female webbed neck breasts and menstruation do not develop.
Klinefelter syndrome: Usual male characteristics on puberty do not develop penis do
not grow, voice does not deepen, usually sterile.
Fragile X: intellectual disability, generally commons on boys.
Huningtons disease: According to the NHS1 UK, Huntington's disease damages certain
nerve cells in the brain. It can affect movement, cognition (perception, awareness,
thinking, judgement) and behavior. Early features can include personality changes,
mood swings, fidgety movements, irritability and altered behavior.
Sickle-cell anemia: According to the NHS1 UK, people with sickle cell disease produce
unusually shaped red blood cells that can cause problems because they do not live as
long as healthy blood cells and they can become stuck in blood vessels.
Tay-Sachs: not mentioned in the unit. According to the NHS1 UK, The most noticeable
early symptoms include a baby being excessively startled by sudden noises and red dots
appearing near the middle of their eyes. The child then develops problems such as
muscle weakness, loss of vision, loss of hearing and seizures. Most children with the
condition die before they're four years old.
1. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Huntingtons-
disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
there is not very clear information in the book:
Two genetic diseases for which prenatal testing is possible: schizophrenia and autism
Two for which it is possible to detect if you are a carrier: hemophilia and Duchenne
muscular dystrophy2
 19.If knowledge is power, would knowing probable outcomes allow for informed
choice or intervention? Would you want to know if you had a 75% chance of
getting breast cancer before the ages of 50? Why or why not?
According to Kay Davis on the provided video, Once you know what it is you
can manage it better. Knowing probable outcomes does allows for
interventions on learning disabilities, for instance. What cannot happen is
label people and them they would not be accepted in the society. It would
be great to know if I had 75% chance of getting breast cancer, because I
could go for all the possibilities and interventions to avoid such disease.

20. If you were charged with establishing standards for the proper implementation of
genetic testing, what factors would you consider?
I would follow the guidelines in the local constitution and the Clinical
Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-which certifies
laboratories by the Analytic validity, Clinical validity, Clinical utility, and
associated Ethical, legal, and social implications (ACCE framework).
( Sanderson S, Zimmern R, Kroese M, Higgins J, Patch C, Emery J. How can
the evaluation of genetic tests be enhanced? Lessons learned from the ACCE
framework and evaluating genetic tests in the United Kingdom. Genet Med.
2005;7(7):495500. [PubMed])
I would be sure that conducting laboratory quality improvement studies are
contantly being improves, monitoring proficiency testing practices, among
other initiatives and resources for health assessment or to diagnose,
prevent, or treat disease. Most important of all I would consider if: 1) Are
patients open to and interested in receiving personalized genetic testing
information? 2) What is the effect of personalized genetic testing information
on psychological well-being? 3) Does personalized genetic testing
information motivate patients to improve their health-related behaviors?1

1 Implementation and utilization of genetic testing in personalized medicine

Noura S Abul-Husn, Aniwaa Owusu Obeng, Saskia C Sanderson, Omri

21.As you consider the above video, what is most amazing to you about the prenatal
development? What is miraculous for you?
The life creation itself is miraculous for me, and how all those complex
structures come from a simple cell. For me, it is interesting how unique each
one of us are and how much in common our development has. According to
the movie, the first part of the brain to be developed is the forebrain, which
is responsible for emotions and thoughts, so I could conclude that much
probably the fetus is somehow able to have some kinds of feelings. I think it
is also interesting how the brain grows in layers like the skin of an onion.

22. While each pregnancy is different, what are some common social-emotional
adjustments that mothers and fathers may encounter during pregnancy? How
 have your friends or family members responded physically or social-emotionally
to pregnancy?
Pregnancy brings innumerous changes in a woman life. It first begins with
their body. They stomach will grow in a way they will not be able to see their
toes, for instance. Therefore, they have to be prepared to see themselves
change their shape. They probably will need to buy clothes for pregnant.
Their ability to move will no longer be the same as before until the baby is
born. For some women who are heavenly worry about their appearance this
might be chocking, so they have to be psychologically prepared for those
changes.
The second great change on someone who is pregnant is the hormones.
Their feeling will have ups and downs very randomly, and not only them, but
everyone around them as partners and relatives need to be prepared and
accept that as part of the process.
There might be lack or a way too much of sleep and appetite.
They will have to deal with the anxiety, because they are really looking
forward to getting to know the baby yet to come. They have to be aware that
they will be responsible for this little one for the years ahead; it includes not
only economic resources, but also attention, patience and love.
I remember when my mother was pregnant with my sister. I was 10. She had
some health problems. She suffered with very high blood pressure, so she
had to adapt her diet in order to keep herself healthy, and in consequence,
the baby. Unfortunately, due to all the problems, her pregnancy did not last 9
months but 6. My mom did not have all the items bought yet, like the baby
furniture, all the clothes necessary, not even enough nappies. All the

23. If an ultrasound were done at four months, would you likely be able to determine
the gender of the child? What else might it reveal? Why are ultrasounds so
routinely done?
Yes, it is possible to determine the gender of the child because the
sex organs are visible on the fetus since the third month. The body
is being formed at the 4th week the head starts to form and at the 5th
week the body shapes with arms and legs. On the 8th week (2
months) the body is completely formed but not the sexual parts, on
the 9th week the fetus transforms from a sexless creature to a boy
or a girl. (BERGER, 2015, p102). Ultrasound may reveal if the baby
is perfectly formed or not, it should be done routinely because it can
show if the development is occurring accordingly to the expected
patterns, which is about 100 days, 100 grams and 100 millimeters.
24. What nutritional challenges are common in the United States among pregnancy
women? What general dietary recommendations would you make to mothers who
are pregnant?
 Mothers should eat 300 extra calories a day for a heath development of the
baby on the 1st trimester; this diet should be very well balanced with enough
proteins and vitamins.
One of the dangers during pregnancy is the ingestion of certain substances,
which may be present in general in food in little concentrations, mercury for
instance; it is a heavy metal, and can be transmitted to the baby via
placenta and can cause several problems in the nervous system. In order to
avoid this problem it is wise to avoid the ingestions of tuna, lobster,
swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Instead, it is advised to eat tinned
tuna, but not more than 6 ounces a week. Another danger is Teratogen,
which is any agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus.
Teratogens may cause a birth defect in the child. Or a teratogen may halt
the pregnancy outright. The classes of teratogens include radiation,
maternal infections, chemicals, and drugs.1
Everyday on the pregnancy is essential for the development of the baby;
however, the middle three months are crucial for the brain development.
Malnutrition at any moment may be tragic for the baby development.
1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11315

25. What is the key to low birth weight babies in India? What are other common
reasons for low birth weight babies? Why can a low birth weight be problematic?
According to the video Low Birthweight in India, Dr. Caroline Fall says that
the key to low birth weight babies in India is due to malnutrition,
malnourished mothers produce underweight babies. Low birth weight can
be problematic because studies have reported that low birth weight babies
may be more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and higher blood
pressures at the ages of 7-8.
According to Berger 2015 p 123, other common reasons for low birth weight
babies is adult obesity, cognitive difficulties, visual and hearing
impairments, they cry more, pay attention less, disobey and experience
language delays.
Other common reasons for low birth weight babies may be smoking (25%

26. What suggestions would you give a mother-to-be for reducing pain and making
the birth process a more enjoyable experience?
l
After watching the video Water Birth | BabyCenter Video, I would recommend
a mother-to-be to have her labor in the water, because it is said that this
procedure reduces the pain and it is less traumatic for the baby who comes
out calm and relaxed when it comes to the exterior world. Also, some other
strategies could be use such as hypnobirthing and music whilst labor.
 27. What ideas have your acquired from the video or this unit to make pregnancy a
positive experience for you and your spouse?
I have never had the opportunity to be pregnant. After all the videos
presented in this unit and after reading this chapter, I feel more anxious to
live that. I think to have a positive experience; we have to find the balance
between not panicking for nothing and seek for assistance when necessary.
We should enjoy this moment. I understood better about the child
development while in the mothers tummy and how amazing the cells
reproduce, how important a healthy diet is, how important avoid certain
types of food with possible pesticides, mercury and plastic components. I
am now more aware of the importance of the medical assistance during the
prenatal and birth, which there are many other options than the C-section

28. Why are we born with so many reflexes if most of them disappear in a few
months anyway?
Because it is part of being human and humans instinctively protect
themselves. Some reflexes are involuntary responses for survival, and
others just signify the state of brain and body functions. Some reflexes are
responses to experiences. Most of them remain life long. The sucking and
swallowing reflexes allow them to eat. The breathing reflex is to help them
breath. Crying, shivering, and bringing their legs closer to their bodies when
they are cold help them to keep themselves warm. They have to reflex to
push a blanket off of them, spread out, and lay still when theyre hot to
maintain the body temperature. (BERGER, 2015, p 127)