Lecture 1- Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Question 1

Why does Piaget think children need the domain-general learning mechanism of accommodation?

a) it helps them about the physical world.
b) it enables them to resolve conflict between the world and the model of it in their minds.
c) it makes them more compliant.
d) it helps them learn new words.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

According to Piaget, why can children not conserve volume?

a) Children fail this task because they can’t count.
b) Children fail this task because they lack formal operational thought.
c) Children fail this task because their thinking is ‘frozen’.
d) Children fail this task because they think the questioner expects them to change their previous answer.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

At what stage does Piaget think children can first form a symbolic representation?

a) Sensorimotor stage
b) Preoperational stage
c) Concrete operational stage
d) Formal operational stage

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Piaget thinks children are born with…

a) No innate knowledge.
b) Powerful domain-general learning mechanisms.
c) Some reflex actions to help them survive.
d) All three of the above.

Answer 4

D

Question 5

According to Piaget, which of the following is NOT dependent on being able to form a symbolic representation?

a) Trying to remember where you put your keys
b) Playing a game in which, a yellow blanket becomes a sandy beech
c) Thinking that you are a girl
d) Scribbling on a piece of paper

Answer 5

D

Question 6

According to Piaget, what is the difference between hypothetical thinking and fantasy play?

a) Only hypothetical thinking offers an alternative reality
b) Only hypothetical thinking requires children forming representations
c) Only hypothetical thinking involves ideas which are different from reality
d) The ability to perform an operation is necessary and sufficient to engage in hypothetical thinking

Answer 6

A