Physical & Cognitive Development In Early Childhood Flashcards
Autonomous Morality
Conceptualisation of right and wrong based on a less egocentric point of view, including an understanding of the intentionality of other people in wrongdoing
Animism
The tendency to attribute life-like characteristics to inanimate objects
Centration
The tendency to focus on one aspect at the expense of others, associated with inability to conserve
Cephalocaudal Principle
The tendency for organs, reflexes and skills to develop sooner at the top (or head) of the body and later in areas further down the body; an organised pattern of physical growth proceeding from head to tail
Child-directed Speech
Simplified speech patterns used by adults and older children when speaking to young children and infants
Classification
Grouping of objects according to a standard or criterion
Conservation
A belief certain properties, such as quantity, remain constant despite changes in perceived features such as dimensions, positions and shape
Egocentrism
Inability to distinguish between ones own point of view and that of another person
Fine motor skills
Skills involving small, smooth movements of the hand and arm that involve precise timing
Gross Motor Skills
Skills involving the large muscles of the body that move the arms and legs; for example, in walking, throwing, climbing and jumping
Heteronomous Morality
Understanding of right and wrong based in external authority
Language Acquisition Device (LAD)
Specialised brain structures and mechanisms allowing rapid acquisition of language
Pragmatics
Involves the comprehension of when, how and where to use different language forms; the social aspects of communication
Preoperational Stage
In Piaget’s theory, the stage of cognitive development characterised by an increase in symbolic thinking
Reversibility
The ability to mentally undo an action
