Cogntive Explinations: Kohlberg And Schema

Question 1

Outline Kohobergs theory

Answer 1

Cognitive-developmental theory (1966)

Based on idea a child’s understanding of gender runs parallel with intellectual development and so become more sophisticated with age.

Thought to progress in 3 stages

Question 2

What are the 3 stages of cognitive-development theory

Answer 2

Stage 1: gender identity
Stage 2: gender stability
Stage 3: gender constancy

Question 3

Outline Gender identity stage

Answer 3

1) acquired at age of 2
2) child recognises their own gender (as well as others at age of 3)
3) understanding does not exceed simple labelling
4) not aware sex is permanent

Question 4

Describe gender stability

Answer 4

1) age 4
2) realisation gender will stay the same over time
3) cannot apply this logic to other people or situations
4) confused by external changes in appearance and believe people change sex if they do other gender related activity

Question 5

Describe gender constancy

Answer 5

1) age 6
2) gender stays constant and consistent across time and situations
3) apply to other people as well
4) no longer fooled by external changes in appearance
5) begin to identify with people of their own sex

Question 6

Evidence for sequence of stages

Answer 6

Slaby and Fray (1975)

1) children presented with split screen of adults as children preforming same task
2) younger children spent same time watching both sexes
3) older children (gender constancy) spent longer on role model of same sex
4) supports idea children with gender constancy will actively seek same sex role models

Question 7

Constancy not supported A03

Answer 7

1) Bussey and Bandura 1992.
2) children as young as 4 felt better for playing with gender appropriate toys and worse for visa versa
3) suggests children begin to absorb gender appropriate info as soon as identified as male/ female

Question 8

Comparison with SLT ao3

Answer 8

1. Gender stages suggests gender development is a natural process as a result of maturation.
2. STL places more emphasis on external influences on child development such as socialisation
3. Evidence suggests that boys have much less flexible concepts of gender roles and are more resistant to opposite-sex activities
4. These differences are likely to a result of social influences and are difficult to explain with cognitive-developmental theory

Question 9

Cross cultural support for sequence of stages

Answer 9

Munroe et al, 1984

Found evidence in other country’s such as Kenya, Samoa and Nepal. Suggests it is universal

Question 10

Comparison with biological approach

Answer 10

The idea a child’s gender understanding is genetically governed by mental development and increased cognitive and intellectual capacity with age. The biological basis for Kholbergs theory is supported by Munroes findings that the stages may be universal

Question 11

What starts to happen with gender constancy

Answer 11

Once a child had internalised the concept of gender they actively search for evidence to confirm this concept. They actively seek out gender appropriate role models to identify and imitate.