chapter 7 Flashcards
grey matter
The parts of the brain that contain neuron cell bodies and some of their connections.
white matter
The spongy tissue that connects various areas of the brain to one another as well as to parts of the spinal cord.
consistency
The ability to physically repeat an action in the same way with the same level of function.
flexibility
The ability to perform a physical act in a variety of contexts with similar outcome.
efficiency
The muscular and cardiovascular system energy expended to perform a physical action.
concrete operational stage
Piaget’s third stage of cognitive development, in which school-age children begin to think logically about concrete events.
classification
The ability to create groups or classes of objects and sort them by similar properties.
seriation
The ability to sort objects using a rule that determines an increasing magnitude of one or more dimensions.
transitivity
The logical rule that says, if A is greater than B and B is greater than C, then A is greater than C.
selective attention
The ability to attend to a particular item in the environment while inhibiting other distracting stimuli.
automatization
The allocation of fewer attentional resources to perform simple, repetitive behaviours.
reaction time
The time involved in responding to a stimulus
strategy
An effortful plan deliberately used to solve a specific problem.
maintenance rehearsal
A retention strategy in which a child repeats the thing to be remembered (words, images, actions) in order to remember them.
metamemory
One’s understanding of one’s own memory process
sensory memory
The ability to briefly store sensory information so that it may be processed.
working (short-term) memory
The ability to keep a small amount of information (7 ± 2 items) in an active, ready-to-use state for a short time.
long-term memory
The vast and virtually limitless store of knowledge and prior events.
executive function
The aspect of the brain that supervises the memory process by regulating the flow of information and controlling key processes.
metacognition
The process of knowing about knowing.
general intelligence (g)
A construct thought to underlie one’s ability to adapt and determine one’s competence level.
intelligence quotient (IQ)
A score calculated from results on an intelligence test originally derived from the formula of (mental age/chronological age) × 100, resulting in an average score of 100.
intellectual disability
A disorder characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning (an IQ of 70 or lower) and impaired adaptive functioning, with onset prior to 18 years of age.
gifted
Significantly above-average intellectual functioning as indicated by an IQ of 130 or higher.
Wechsler
Intelligence Scales Popular psychometric test purporting to measure the global capacity to think rationally.
triarchic theory of successful intelligence
A theory of intelligence advanced by Robert Sternberg emphasizing three key components: analytical, practical, and creative.
analytical intelligence
Abstract, verbal, mathematical, and logical types of thinking.
practical intelligence
Common sense needed for real-world situations that require adaptation and basic knowledge.
creative intelligence
Divergent, novel, and problem-solving–oriented thinking
theory of multiple intelligences
A theory of intelligence advanced by Howard Gardner suggesting the existence of at least eight distinct intelligences.
metalinguistic awareness
Understanding the complexity of language and the fact that language relies on context as well as individual word meaning.
language immersion
Language education programs in which students are taught academic content exclusively in a non-native language (a language not spoken at home).
phonics approach
A form of reading instruction that emphasizes the segments of sounds in words in the learning of reading skills.
whole-language approach
A form of reading instruction that emphasizes communication over particular elements of reading and writing, such as spelling or sounds.
social and emotional learning (SEL)
Educational programs seeking to foster the development of five non–subject-matter competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
mastery goal
An achievement goal that focuses on self-improvement and skill development, while downplaying ability level and peer comparison.
performance goal
An achievement goal that emphasizes ability level and competition among peers.
racialized
People or communities that are treated poorly or experience violence because of racism or a belief that they are inferior.
achievement test
A measure of children’s knowledge about particular academic subjects, such as reading, writing, or mathematics.
specific learning disorder
A specific difficulty with reading, writing, or math that is indicated when academic functioning is substantially below what is expected for age, IQ, and schooling.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A neurobehavioural disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that emerges prior to 12 years of age and causes impairment in multiple contexts.
