Theories of Cognitive Development 2

Question 1

How do Information Processing theorists see cognitive development?

Answer 1

As occurring continuously, in small increments that happen at different ages on different tasks.

Question 2

Which theory compares the mind to a computer?

Answer 2

Information-processing theory.

Question 3

How do information-processing theorists believe that processing capabilities in children are limited? (3)

Answer 3

1. By processing speed. 2. By memory. 3. By meta-cognition.

Question 4

What are rates of forgetting in children as compared to adults?

Answer 4

The same.

Question 5

What is the importance of the fact that child chess experts outperform novice adults? (2)

Answer 5

1. Thinking is domain-specific. 2. Knowledge effects can over-ride age effects.

Question 6

In the information-processing view, how does cognitive development occur? (3)

Answer 6

Through gradually surmounting their processing limitations through. 1. Expanding the amounts of info they can process at one time. 2. Increasing their processing speeds. 3. Acquiring new strategies and knowledge.

Question 7

Which theory believes kids are “universal novices”?

Answer 7

The information-processing theory.

Question 8

According to the Social-cultural perspective, are cognitive processes universal or culturally specific?

Answer 8

They care culturally specific.

Question 9

What are cultural tools?

Answer 9

The innumerable products of human ingenuity that enhance thinking.

Question 10

What are examples of cultural tools? (4)

Answer 10

1. Symbol systems. 2. Artifacts. 3. Skills. 4. Values. Language.

Question 11

What is social scaffolding?

Answer 11

A process in which more competent people provide a temporary framework that supports children’s thinking at a higher level than children could manage on their own.

Question 12

Which theory see children as “little scientists”?

Answer 12

The core theories model (theory-theory).

Question 13

How does the core theory model (theory-theory) view learning?

Answer 13

Children constantly construct theories which may start with innate knowledge.

Question 14

Does the core theory model (theory-theory) think that children build domain universal or domain specific theories?

Answer 14

Domain specific.

Question 15

Which theory believes that we evolved to search for causality in the world?

Answer 15

The core theory model (theory-theory).

Question 16

According to the core theory model (theory-theory), children start with what three foundational theories?

Answer 16

1. Naive Physics. 2. Naive Psychology. 3. Naive Biology.

Question 17

What is the overlapping waves theory?

Answer 17

An information-processing approach that emphasizes the variability of children’s thinking. Children use different strategies, not the same one, and not always the best one.

Question 18

What is working memory?

Answer 18

Memory system that involves activity attending to, gathering, maintaining, storing, and processing information.

Question 19

What is long-term memory?

Answer 19

Information retained on an enduring basis.

Question 20

What are the three major types of executive functions?

Answer 20

1. Inhibiting inadvisable actions. 2. Enhancing working memory. 3. Being cognitively flexible.

Question 21

How do executive functions enhance working memory?

Answer 21

Through the use of strategies.

Question 22

How can executive functions be improved?

Answer 22

Via the Tools of the mind program.

Question 23

Which theory emphasizes the shift from initial models to synthetic models to scientific models?

Answer 23

The core theory model (theory-theory).

Question 24

Which theory emphasizes that children are active problem solvers?

Answer 24

Information-processing theory.

Question 25

According to the information-processing theory, when do children begin to use broad strategies?

Answer 25

Around 5-8.

Question 26

[Information-Processing] What is selective attention?

Answer 26

The process of intentionally focusing on the information that is most relevant to the current goal. Used as a strategy.

Question 27

What is the Flanker task?

Answer 27

A set of response inhibition tests used to assess the ability to suppress responses that are inappropriate in a particular context.