Chapter 12: Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood

Question 1

define and describe Piaget’s Concrete Operational stage

Answer 1

7-11yrs
based on mental operations (logical, math, spatial)
child can use reverse thinking but trouble with abstract thought
understands that others have opinions
develops through experience

Question 2

describe child memory strategies for this stage

Answer 2

usually more visual.  Memory based on what is gradually learned and then re-evaluating what does vs doesn't.  Involves:
Determining a goal
Picking a strategy
Using it
Monitoring Progress

Question 3

how can memory become distorted

Answer 3

adding new knowledge distorts recall because it makes tweaks to past experience. Behavioural scripts/routines can distort memory because one gets accustomed to the steps that one forgets to do the behaviour

Question 4

discuss standard IQ test

Answer 4

originally designed to separate smart from dim. Separates mental ages from chrono age. In terms of validity: the correlation to school success is moderate

Question 5

discuss dynamic testing

Answer 5

how well a child performs on a new skill based on the knowledge they have from previous skills. When paired with IQ, can show better results to intelligence

Question 6

what is differentiated instruction

Answer 6

teaching that is adapted to the child’s strengths and responses to intervention, involves frequent progress monitoring

Question 7

what are the correlates between intelligence and genetics

Answer 7

identical twins - .85
fraternal twins - .58
siblings - .45 (suggest environment)

Question 8

discuss intelligence and environment

Answer 8

where intervention was given to at risk children in low SES, major improvements in school performance was observed.

Question 9

discuss intelligence and gender

Answer 9

girls tend to show more verbal intelligence and math skill

boys show more spatial intelligence and math performance skill