Week 2 - Biological Foundations of Development

Question 1

Who was Jean Piaget?

Answer 1

An influential figure in developmental psychology known for his theories on cognitive development

Piaget’s work changed the understanding of human thinking and problem solving.

Question 2

What are the key principles of Piaget’s theory?

Answer 2

Thinking develops in increasingly complex stages, each incorporating and revising previous stages

Piaget’s cognitive stages and developmental processes are detailed in his theory.

Question 3

What three processes does Piaget believe are involved in cognitive development?

Answer 3

• Direct learning
• Social transmission
• Maturation

These processes facilitate the transition from one stage of thinking to the next.

Question 4

Define ‘scheme’ according to Piaget.

Answer 4

A systematic pattern of thoughts, actions, and problem-solving strategies that helps deal with intellectual challenges

Schemes evolve as individuals encounter new experiences.

Question 5

What is direct learning?

Answer 5

Learning that results from actively responding to and interpreting new problems based on existing patterns of thought

This is a key component of Piaget’s view on cognitive development.

Question 6

What is assimilation?

Answer 6

The process of interpreting and responding to new experiences in terms of existing schemes

An example is a baby using her sucking scheme from breast feeding to suck from a bottle.

Question 7

What is accommodation?

Answer 7

The process of changing existing schemes when faced with new ideas or situations

For example, a child learns to differentiate between a truck and a car.

Question 8

What is adaptation in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 8

The interplay of assimilation and accommodation that results in the deepening or broadening of schemes

Adaptation helps individuals adjust their thinking as they encounter new experiences.

Question 9

What is social transmission?

Answer 9

The process through which one’s thinking is influenced by learning from social contacts and observation of others

This differs from direct experience and is a key aspect of Piaget’s theory.

Question 10

What does maturation refer to in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 10

Biologically determined changes in physical and neurological development that occur independently of specific experiences

Maturation is essential for certain cognitive abilities, such as naming objects.

Question 11

True or False: Piaget’s theory acknowledges that cognitive development continues after adolescence.

Answer 11

False

Piaget’s theory does not recognize that cognitive development extends beyond adolescence.

Question 12

What are some criticisms of Piaget’s theory?

Answer 12

• Inconsistent task mastery at different developmental points
• Cognitive performance varies on similar tasks
• Overemphasis on logical aspects of thinking
• Neglect of social, emotional, and cultural factors

These shortcomings suggest that Piaget’s model may not fully capture cognitive development.

Question 13

In which of the following parts of the anatomy is puberty initiated?

Answer 13

Hypothalamus

Question 14

What causes the hypothalamus to increase GnRH production?

Answer 14

Reaching a threshold of body fat

Question 15

Does The release of FSH and LH influences production of Androgens and Estrogens?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

The adolescent growth spurt typically occurs___ years earlier in girls than in boys:

Answer 16

2

Question 17

________________________ is when the adolescent growth spurt is at its maximum.

Answer 17

Peak height velocity

Question 18

Primary sex characteristics include:

Answer 18

Gametes and sex organs

Question 19

Have Researchers have noted that there may be some cultural factors that lead to differences in physical strength and athletic ability once girls and boys reach adolescence?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

Are Secondary sex characteristics are considered those that directly relate to reproduction?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

__________ tends to begin earlier in cultures where good nutrition and medical care are widely available

Answer 21

Puberty

Question 22

Is Emerging adulthood is typically considered the healthiest and most physically optimal stage of life?

Answer 22

Yes

Question 23

Is Reaction time is better during emerging adulthood?

Answer 23

Yes