Unit 3

Question 1

What is the age range for the formal operational stage according to Piaget’s Theory?

Answer 1

11 to adulthood

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Formal Operational thought?

Answer 2

Individuals can think abstractly, use abstract reasoning, imagine the outcome of actions, and use hypothetical-deductive reasoning

Question 3

What is hypothetical-deductive reasoning?

Answer 3

The ability to think by creating hypotheses, making testable inferences, and isolating and combining variables to confirm inferences.

Question 4

What is an example of Hypothetical reasoning?

Answer 4

Considering the value of volunteering to help elderly people with dementia

Question 5

Describe Piaget’s pendulum problem.

Answer 5

Adolescents test variables such as the length of a string, weight of an object, and the forces used to push the object to determine what affects the swing of a pendulum.

Question 6

How do concrete operational children approach the pendulum problem differently than those in the formal operational stage?

Answer 6

Concrete operational children cannot separate the effects of each variable and approach the problem randomly

Question 7

What is deductive reasoning?

Answer 7

Top-down reasoning that starts with an abstract ideia or premise and uses logic to draw conclusions.

Question 8

Give an example of deductive reasoning

Answer 8

All mammals can walk. Whales are mammals. Therefore, whales can walk

Question 9

What is propositional thought?

Answer 9

The ability to evaluate the logic of verbal statements without referring to real-world circumstance

Question 10

Give an example of inductive reasoning

Answer 10

Knowing that whales cannot walk despite the logic that states

Question 11

How did school-age children respond to the propositional thought experiment with poker chips in the first condition?

Answer 11

The children stated that they were uncertain about both statements because they focused on the concrete properties of the chips.

Question 12

How did adolescents respond to the propositional thought experiement with poker chips?

Answer 12

Adolescents understood the logic of the statements, recognizing that “either-or” statements are always true and “and”2 statements are always false regardless of the chip color

Question 13

When can younger children (4-6 years old) reason logically about propositions?

Answer 13

When simple permises that contradict real-world knowledge are presented during make-believe play.

Question 14

What is a critique of piaget’s theory of cognitive development?

Answer 14

Piaget often failed to distinguish between competence and performance, assuming a lack of competence if a child couldn’t complete a task.

Question 15

What is another critique of piaget’s theory of cognitive developmennt?

Answer 15

Not all individuals reach the formal operational stage

Question 16

What are some information-processing changes that occur during adolescence?

Answer 16

Working memory, inhibition, attention, planning on complex tasks, and the use of strategies all improve.

Question 17

What is adolescent egocentrism?

Answer 17

The tendency of adolescents to think more about themselves and what others think of them, leading to difficulty understanding other points of view.

Question 18

What is the personal fable?

Answer 18

The adolescents belief that their thoughts, feelings, and experiences are unique and more significant than anyone else’s.

Question 19

What is the invincibility fable?

Answer 19

The adolescents belief that they are immune to harm or danger

Question 20

What is the imaginary audience?

Answer 20

The adolescent believe that they are constantly being observed and judged by others.

Question 21

How does idealism manifest in adolescence?

Answer 21

Adolescents imagine and envision ideal worlds and systems, leading to tension with adults who have a more realistic perspective.

Question 22

How does decision-making differ in adolescents compared to adults?

Answer 22

Adolescents are less effective at decision-making, even in unemotional conditions. They rely more on intuitive judgement and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Question 23

What are the two modes of thinking?

Answer 23

Intuitive and analytical thinking