Cognitive Theories of Development (Piaget & Vygotsky) Flashcards
What does the term “schemes” mean with regards to Piaget and his theory of cognitive development.
The knowledge/procedures/relationships used to understand and function in the world.
True or false: according to Piaget, people try to to find order, structure, and predictability in their existence.
True. He called this the drive for “equilibrium”.
According to Piaget, what 2 processes allow children to adapt to their environments?
- Assimilation
- Accommodation
What does the term “assimilation” mean with regards to children adapting to their environment?
A new experience in the environment is incorporated into an existing scheme.
What does the term “accommodation” mean with regards to children adapting to their environment?
An existing scheme is changed to accommodate a new experience in the environment.
True or False: interaction with the physical environment is critical for cognitive development.
True.
True or False: Interaction with other people is helpful but not critical for cognitive development.
False, social interaction is critical.
What are Piaget’s 4 stages of cognitive development, listed from youngest to oldest?
- Sensorimotor
- Properational
- Concrete operational
- Formal operational
What main understandings are being formed during the “sensorimotor” stage of Piaget’s levels of cognitive development?
Formation of object permanence and shift from reflexive behaviour to goal-directed behaviour.
During which of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development do we begin to exhibit empathy and move away from egocentric thinking?
During the concrete operational stage.
During which of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development do we start to use symbols to represent objects in the world?
During the preoperational stage.
During approximately what time period are children in Piaget’s “sensorimotor” stage of cognitive development?
Birth to 2 years.
During approximately what time period are children in Piagets “preoperational” stage of cognitive development?
2 to 7 years old.
During approximately what time period are children in Piaget’s “concrete operational” stage of cognitive development?
7 to 11 years old.
During approximately what time period are children in Piaget’s “formal operational” stage of cognitive development?
11 years old to adulthood.
During which of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development do we develop the ability to think abstractly?
During the formal operational stage.
True or False: Abstract thinking becomes possible during Piaget’s “concrete operational” stage of cognitive development.
False. We only learn this in the formal operational stage.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development understand that certain processes can be reversed or undone.
Concrete operational stage. Prior to this they treat addition and subtraction as being two unrelated processes.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development understand that others see things differently than they do and that they may be incorrect.
Concrete operational stage.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development do not understand that rearranging a set of objects does not change the amount of objects present.
Preoperational stage.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development understand that something can transform/change into something else. Objects (and people) do not stay the same forever.
Formal operational stage.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development understand that objects and people can belong to several categories simultaneously.
Concrete operational stage.
True or False: A child in Piaget’s preoperational stage of cognitive development would have no problem understanding that his parent can also be a doctor (multiple categories).
False. This kid is stupid.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development could understand that if all people are animals, and all animals are made of cells, then all people are made of cells. (deductive reasoning)
Concrete operational stage. Prior to this, kids are dumb.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development are capable of understanding the relationship between fractions and decimals.
Formal operational stage.
Children in Piaget’s _________ stage of cognitive development understand that multiple answers may exist for a given hypothesis, and that they must all be considered.
Formal operational stage.
What are some criticisms of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?
Any of:
- overestimates adolescents and adults
- underestimates children
- development may be more like a ramp or scale and less like discontinuous steps
- not applicable to all cultures
What were the 2 main views that Vygotsky had on cognitive development?
- Psychological processes start as social processes.
- Children’s development depends on the sign system with which they grow up.
True or False: Vygotsky believed that cognitive development proceeded from other-regulated behaviour to self-regulated behaviour.
True. This is word for word from the notes.
Vygotsky believed that ____ __________ occurs when children can internalize signs to be able to think and solve problems without the help of others.
Self-regulation.
True or False: Vygotsky believed that development would be enhanced when children work cooperatively/collaboratively with others.
True. Does not differentiate between working with adults or children.
What does the “zone of proximal development” define with regards to Vygotsky’s psychology concepts?
A “sweet spot” of intellectual growth. The difference between the child’s actual development level and what the child can do with adult guidance.
What does the term “scaffolding” mean with regards to Vygotsky’s concepts about child development?
Having competent peers or adults provide children with support to increase their learning.
What is another phrase used to describe “scaffolding” during child education?
“I do, we do, you do.”
