Chapter 4: Sociocultural theory of cognitive development (Vygotsky)

Question 1

According to vygotsky, what is theory of mind? When does it develop? What test is used to determine if child developed theory of mind?

Answer 1

Theory of mind is the ability to understand what others are thinking
- it usually develops at age 4 but isn’t developed at age of 3.
Sally and ann test can determine if child shows theory of mind

Question 2

What is the 4 stages of vygotsky’s cognitive development?

Answer 2

1. primitive stage: learns primarily through conditioning until language develops (learns through reinforcement)
2. Naive psychology stage: learns to use language to communicate, but still does not completely understand symbols
3. Egocentric speech stage: uses language to solve problems (says outloud “i am going to get hurt”)
4. Ingrowth stage: internalization of speech routines (says in their mind “i am going to get hurt”)

Question 3

What are 3 flaws in vygotsky’s sociocultural theory?

Answer 3

1. Not enough evidence to support or contradict many of his ideas
2. implications for research concerning children completing group work (you can’t quantify internal speech)
3. theory ignores important contribution of individuals to group interactions