W1 PreLecture Flashcards
What are the four main domains of developmental change?
Knowledge, motor abilities, language, and processing capacities.
How does increased knowledge benefit children?
Helps navigate the world but can introduce challenges like accessing relevant info and needing better organization.
How do motor abilities change over time?
Movements become smoother and more sophisticated, aiding exploration and cognition.
How does language development progress in infancy?
Starts with no language and gradually develops significant capacities.
What processing capacities improve with development?
Memory, attention control, and processing speed.
What are quantitative changes in development?
Gradual increases in ability, like faster processing and more knowledge.
What are qualitative changes in development?
Fundamental changes in thinking, like new cognitive strategies.
What is an analogy for quantitative vs. qualitative change?
Quantitative is upgrading a processor; qualitative is installing a new OS.
Why is it important to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative issues in education?
Helps identify if struggles stem from foundational gaps (qualitative) or complexity (quantitative).
What are domain-specific theories?
Abilities like math and social skills develop separately.
What are domain-general theories?
General cognitive capacities, like working memory, influence multiple areas.
How would a domain-specific theorist approach a child struggling in math?
They would recommend targeted math instruction.
How would a domain-general theorist approach a child struggling in math?
They might focus on improving general cognitive abilities like working memory.
What does the nature perspective emphasize in development?
Development is largely determined by genetics.
What are indicators that a trait is innate?
Develops early, appears across cultures, and is seen in non-human species.
What does the nurture perspective emphasize in development?
Development is shaped by environment and experience.
What are indicators that a trait is acquired?
Develops over time, varies across environments, and shows cultural differences.
How do nature and nurture interact in development?
Most abilities arise from both genetic and environmental influences.
What is an example of an ability shaped by both nature and nurture?
Numerical cognition is innate, but learning symbolic math is cultural.
