Cognitive Development

Question 1

4 stages of Piaget’s Theory

Answer 1

Sensorimotor (birth - 2)
Preoperational (2 - 7)
Concrete Operational (7 - 11)
Formal Operational (12+)

Question 2

Scheme

Answer 2

mental structure made up of organised group of memories, thoughts and strategies

Question 3

Assimilation

Answer 3

encounter a new idea and I assimilate (try to fit) it into my world view (i.e. existing schemes)

Question 4

Accommodation

Answer 4

accommodate new information and change my world view accordingly (new schemes/schemes change)

Question 5

Preoperational (2 -7)

Answer 5

ability to engage in symbolic thought – clear mental representations of objects & events not physically present
- Rapid language development
- Can engage in symbolic or make-believe play
- Egocentrism

Question 5

Sensorimotor (birth - 2)

Answer 5

Newborn’s hard-wired reflexes form the basis of sensorimotor intelligence
Maturation of motor skills allows more
purposeful interaction with environment
- Object permance
- Ability to imitate

Question 6

Concrete Operational (7 - 11)

Answer 6

Thinking still ‘concrete but gradually
becomes more logical, flexible & organised
- Less egocentrism
Increased capacity for thinking that is
abstract, flexible, and systematic

Question 7

Phenomenism

Answer 7

children often explain the relationship between source of illness and body in ‘magical’ terms

Question 8

Social Constructivism

Answer 8

learning is an active creation of knowledge as a result of social interaction and language use, therefore, it is a shared, rather than an individual experience

Question 9

Zone of Proximal Development

Answer 9

difference between a child’s independent performance & assisted/guided performance