Theories of Development Flashcards
Define Adaptation according to Piaget
When schemes are deepened or broadened by assimilation and stretched or modified by accommodation, through interaction with the environment
Define Accomodation according to Piaget
When a child changes existing schemes or ways of thinking when faced with new ideas or situations in which the old schemes no longer work
Define Assimilation according to Piaget
The process by which an infant interprets and responds to a new experience or situation in terms of an existing scheme
Define a scheme (or schemata) according to Piaget
A systematic pattern of thoughts, actions and problem-solving strategies that helps the individual deal with a particular intellectual challenge or situation
Describe Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development stage
The functions that are in the process of development but are not yet fully developed. Maturing but not yet matured.
What is metacognition?
An awareness and understanding of how thinking and learning work
Describe the Neo-Piaget information processing theory
The focus of precise, detailed features or steps involved in mental activities. How the mind is viewed as having distinct parts that make unique contributions to thinking in a specific order eg. Sensory Registry, STM, LTM
What is the Sensory Register?
The first memory store where information is briefly recorded exactly as it receives it. The information fades or disappears within a fraction of a second unless the person processes it further
What is the short term memory?
The second memory store. Information to which a person pays special attention. Only a certain amount of information can be stored (approx 7 pieces) and after approx 20 seconds that information can be forgotten, interfered with or lost. If you do something with the information it can be held for longer
What is the long term memory?
The third memory store. Time and effort are required to shift information into long term storage. The capacity of LTM is unlimited for all practical purposes, and once securely stored it remains there permanently. Retrieving information can be difficult, requiring recognition, recall and reconstruction.
What is Behaviour Modification?
A specific set of techniques based on Skinners operant conditioning and social cognitive learning designed to eliminate undesired behaviours and increase desired responses
Describe Pavlovs classical conditioning
One of the behavioural theories, classical conditioning is a learning process in which the subject responds in a desired manner to a previously neutral stimulus after it being repeatedly presented along with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits the desired response
What is observational learning?
Banduras theory in which developmental change is largely achieved through the observation of others (social learning/cognitive theory), and interactions of modelling and imitation between the individual and their social and physical environment
Describe Skinners Operant conditioning
A behavioural learning theory in which the likelihood of a particular response occurring again increases when that response is followed by a certain stimulus.
Positive reinforcement occurs when following a particular response a rewarding stimulus is presented.
In Negative reinforcement a behaviour or response is strengthened by eliminating or avoiding a negative outcome and helps increase the chance of it’s reoccurrence
Describe punishment
Punishment weakens or suppresses a behavioural response by adding an unpleasant stimulus or removing a pleasurable one following the responses occurrence
What is reinforcement
The process by which the likelihood a response will occur again increases when that response is followed by a certain stimulus
Define a theory
A theory is a set of statements that are an orderly, integrated description, explanation and prediction of human behaviour in various developmental domains
Describe Cognitive Development?
Involves changes in methods and styles of thinking, language ability and language use, and strategies for remembering and recalling information
Describe Physical Development
Biological change, includes changes in the body itself and how a person used their body
What is development?
Continuity and change throughout the lifespan, a concept that explores changes and constancies in physical growth, feelings and ways of thinking
Describe Psychosocisl development
Changes in feelings or emotions as well as changes in relations with other people. Including interactions with family, peers, classmates and co-workers , but it also includes a persons personal identity or sense of self
What is a norm?
Behaviours typical of a child at certain ages
What is continuous development?
Gradual development wherein achievements at one level build quantitatively (a change in amount, a change in the number or degree of some pre-existing characteristic)
What is discontinuous development?
A process in which development occurs in distinct stages or steps, with each step resulting in behaviour that is qualitatively different (a change in kind or type, new characteristics that are different from those previously existing)
What is cross sectional study?
A study comparing persons of different ages or age groups (cohorts) in relation to such psychological variables as emotional development, cognitive ability, parenting style, self-esteem and relationships at a single point in time
What is a longitudinal study?
A study that observes the same participants periodically over a relatively long period. These studies permit researches to look at sequences of change and individual consistency and inconsistency over time
What is a cohort?
A group if people born at the same time and therefore having undergone similar developmental experiences
What is a sequential study?
The combination of elements of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies used to solve issues of time frames.
What is a naturalistic study?
The observation of behaviour as it normally occurs in it’s natural environment
