Semester 2 psychology: Developmental psychology - Cognitive Development Flashcards
Define Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to the age-related changes that occur in mental activities
such as paying attention, perceiving, learning, thinking and remembering.
Whos was Jean Piaget?
Jean Piaget was the Swiss psychologist famous for his groundbreaking research on child development and cognitive growth, outlining different stages of intellectual development.
What are the four major stages of cognitive development proposed by Piaget?
The four major stages are the Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational stages.
What occurs during Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years)?
Infants explore the world through sensory experiences and motor actions and develop object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen.
What characterizes Piaget’s Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years)?
In the Preoperational Stage, children develop language and symbolic thinking but struggle with logical and abstract reasoning. Egocentrism, or the inability to see things from others’ perspectives, is also prevalent.
What are the key features of Piaget’s Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)?
In the Concrete Operational Stage, children develop logical thinking about concrete objects and events and can perform mental operations, though they still struggle with abstract concepts.
What abilities are characteristic of Piaget’s Formal Operational Stage (11 years and up)?
In the Formal Operational Stage, adolescents and adults can think abstractly, reason logically, solve problems systematically, and consider hypothetical situations and multiple possibilities.
What is the role of social interaction in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development?
Vygotsky believed that cognitive development is a social process where children learn through interactions with more knowledgeable others, such as parents, teachers, or capable peers.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) according to Vygotsky?
The ZPD is the difference between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance and support from a more capable individual. Activities within the ZPD promote cognitive development.
What is scaffolding in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory?
Scaffolding is the support provided by a more knowledgeable person to help a child complete a task or solve a problem. As the child’s competence grows, the support is gradually reduced, promoting independence.
What is private speech in Vygotsky’s theory, and what role does it play?
Private speech is self-directed speech used by children to regulate their behavior and thinking. It eventually becomes internalized as inner speech, supporting the development of higher-order cognitive processes.
What are cultural tools in Vygotsky’s theory, and how do they influence cognitive development?
Cultural tools, like language, writing, and technology, mediate cognitive development and shape thinking and problem-solving. Children learn to use these tools through social interaction and instruction.
How did Kohlberg view the progression through stages of moral reasoning?
Kohlberg believed that individuals progress through stages of moral reasoning in a fixed sequence, with each stage representing a more complex and mature level of reasoning. This progression is driven by cognitive development, social experience, and exposure to moral dilemmas.
What are the stages of the Pre-conventional Level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?
- Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation, where moral decisions are based on avoiding punishment and obeying authority figures.
- Stage 2: Instrumental Relativist Orientation, where moral decisions are based on satisfying one’s own needs and occasionally the needs of others.
What are the stages of the Conventional Level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?
Stage 3: Interpersonal Concordance Orientation, where moral decisions are based on gaining approval from others and conforming to social norms.
Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation, where moral decisions are based on respecting authority, upholding the law, and maintaining social order.
