Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood

Question 1

describe the “constructivist” approach to cognitive development

Answer 1

children construct knowledge for themselves in response to their experiences (like little scientists)

Question 2

schemata are defined as …

Answer 2

concepts (mental modes) that are used to help us categorize and interpret information

Question 3

schemata: discribe “assimilation”

Answer 3

assimilating new information or experiences in terms of their current schemata

Question 4

schemata: describe “accomodation”

Answer 4

they change their schemata based one new information

Question 5

describe Piaget’s Sensorimotor stage

Answer 5

birth to 2 years. infants know the world through their senses and through their actions

Question 6

describe Piaget’s Pre-operational stage

Answer 6

2-7 years. toddlers and young children acquire the ability to internally represent the world through language and mental imagery. also begin to see in other’s perspectives

Question 7

describe Piaget’s concrete operational stage

Answer 7

7-12 years. become able to think logically, not just intuitively, and understand that events are often influenced by multiple factors

Question 8

describe Piaget’s formal operational stage

Answer 8

12+ years. can think systematically and reason what might be, as well as what is. allows them to understand politics, ethics, and engage in scientific reasoning

Question 9

how can Piaget’s theory be applied to education? (3)

Answer 9

child-centered approach. considering the various stages of cognitive processing to determine when information should be taught. children learn best when interacting with their environment (both mentally and physically)

Question 10

list the four central properties of Piaget’s Stage Theory

Answer 10

qualitative change, broad applicability, brief transitions and invariant sequence