FINAL Flashcards
What is cognitive development?
Cognitive development refers to how thinking processes change with age and experience.
How does puberty impact cognitive development?
Puberty enhances mental efficiency, problem-solving, and information processing, enabling new abilities like critical thinking and metacognition.
What are William James’ two aspects of the self?
The ‘I’ (experiencing self) and the ‘Me’ (observing self, a collection of beliefs about oneself).
Who was Jean Piaget?
A developmental psychologist known for his theory of cognitive development.
What are Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?
1) Sensorimotor (0-2) - Object permanence
2) Preoperational (2-7) - Symbolic function
3) Concrete Operations (7-11) - Conservation, theory of mind
4) Formal Operations (11+) - Abstract reasoning
5) Post-Formal Thinking (21+) - Dialectical thought
What is assimilation in cognitive development?
Fitting new information into existing knowledge structures (schemas).
What is accommodation in cognitive development?
Changing existing schemas in response to new information.
What is the competence-performance gap?
The difference between what a person is capable of doing (competence) and what they actually do (performance).
What are two types of adolescent egocentrism?
1) Imaginary Audience – Belief that others are constantly watching/judging.
2) Personal Fable – Belief in one’s uniqueness or invulnerability.
What is executive function?
Cognitive processes that regulate thoughts and actions, including working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility.
What are heuristics?
Cognitive shortcuts or ‘rules of thumb’ that simplify decision-making.
What is Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development?
The range of tasks a learner can perform with guidance but not yet independently.
What are the three components of Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence?
1) Analytical intelligence (problem-solving)
2) Creative intelligence (innovation)
3) Practical intelligence (adaptability).
What is Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?
A model suggesting intelligence has multiple independent types, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, and interpersonal intelligences.
What is the difference between self-concept and self-esteem?
- Self-concept: How we see ourselves; organized thoughts, ideas, and
perceptions about ourselves. - Self-esteem: How we feel about our self-concept; positive or negative
evaluations of ourselves. Includes baseline (“I feel”) and barometric (“I
felt”) self-esteem.
How does self-concept develop from birth to adolescence?
- Birth: Unclear if newborns understand separation from the world.
- 0-1 y/o: React differently to self vs. others’ images.
- 2 y/o: Recognize self in mirrors.
- Preschool: Concrete descriptions (age, gender, preferences).
- Adolescence: Complex, abstract descriptions (psychological traits,
higher-order concepts).
What are the four key changes in adolescent self-descriptions?
- Complexity: More traits (positive/negative), inner exploration.
- Differentiation: Sensitivity to external/internal state interactions.
- Abstraction: Higher-order generalizations (e.g., “I’m tolerant”).
- Integration: Resolving contradictions (e.g., “marrying opposites”).
What are “possible selves” in adolescence?
- Future-oriented selves teens might become under different circumstances.
- Helps with planning, priorities, and self-regulation.
- Balance: Dreaming big vs. being realistic.
What are the top predictors of self-esteem in teens?
- Physical appearance/attractiveness.
- Peer social acceptance (classmates > close friends).
- Academic/athletic abilities (if valued by the teen)
What is Erikson’s psychosocial crisis for adolescence?
- Stage: Identity vs. Role Confusion (ages 12-20).
- Goal: Develop a coherent identity (occupation, beliefs, relationships).
- Failure: Confusion about adult roles (“place in the world”).
What are Marcia’s four identity statuses?
- Achievement: Explored + committed (balanced, successful).
- Foreclosure: Committed without exploration (rigid, authoritarian).
- Moratorium: Exploring, uncommitted (open-minded but anxious).
- Diffusion: No exploration/commitment (apathetic, at-risk)
What are Kohlberg’s three levels of moral reasoning?
- Preconventional: Punishment/reward focus (children).
- Conventional: Social approval/law focus (teens/adults).
- Postconventional: Universal ethics (few adults).
What is the superego’s role in morality?
- Internalized moral standards from parents/society.
- Enforces via guilt (ego ideal = “should do,” conscience = “shouldn’t do”).
- Criticism: Harsh parenting increases misbehavior, not guilt
What is moral identity, and why does it matter?
- Belief that morality is central to self-concept.
- Stronger identity → more moral actions (to avoid self-discrepancy pain).
- Developed through moral exemplars/community engagement
How does parenting style influence moral development?
- Induction (authoritative): Explains effects on others → mature morality.
- Power assertion (authoritarian): Punishment → less internalization.
- Love withdrawal: Threatens affection → mixed outcomes
What are Phinney’s stages of ethnocultural identity?
- Unexamined: Foreclosure/diffusion (no awareness).
- Exploration: Moratorium (active cultural engagement).
- Achievement: Secure, confident group membership.
What are Berry’s four strategies for minority cultures?
- Assimilation (adopt majority culture).
- Marginalization (reject both).
- Separation (reject majority culture).
- Integration (biculturalism): Best mental health outcomes
