2C Psychological development across the lifespan – Part 2

Question 1

What is the first stage of Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?

Answer 1

Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years)

Achievements include object permanence and goal-directed behavior.

Question 2

What are the key characteristics of the Preoperational Stage (2–7 years)?

Answer 2

Ego-centrism, animism, centration

Children struggle to see perspectives other than their own.

Question 3

At what age does the Concrete Operational Stage occur?

Answer 3

7–12 years

Children develop skills in conservation and classification.

Question 4

What cognitive abilities are developed in the Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)?

Answer 4

Abstract thought and logical reasoning

This stage marks the ability to think about hypothetical situations.

Question 5

What are two limitations of Piaget’s theory?

Answer 5

• Generalizability
• Validity

Limitations arise due to the use of his own children as subjects and lack of consideration for teaching methods.

Question 6

What is the significance of the frontal lobe in cognitive development?

Answer 6

It is linked to cognitive development and physical brain maturation

The development of the frontal lobe is crucial for higher cognitive functions.

Question 7

What experiment did Gibson & Walk conduct in 1960?

Answer 7

Visual cliff experiment

This experiment illustrated early cognitive abilities like depth perception.

Question 8

Define ‘generalizability’ in the context of Piaget’s theory.

Answer 8

The extent to which findings can be applied to broader populations

Piaget’s use of his own children raises questions about this aspect.

Question 9

Define ‘validity’ in the context of psychological research.

Answer 9

The extent to which a study accurately measures what it intends to measure

Concerns arise from the limited sample in Piaget’s studies.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: In the _______ Stage, children develop skills in conservation and classification.

Answer 10

Concrete Operational Stage

Question 11

True or False: The Preoperational Stage is characterized by the ability to understand conservation.

Answer 11

False

Conservation is a skill developed in the Concrete Operational Stage.

Question 12

What are the achievements of the Sensorimotor Stage?

Answer 12

• Object permanence
• Goal-directed behavior

Question 13

List three characteristics of the Preoperational Stage.

Answer 13

• Ego-centrism
• Animism
• Centration