Week 5

Question 1

Give a brief outline of Piaget’s theory of development

Answer 1

4 stages of development (sensorimotor, pre-operational, concrete operational, formal operational), theories of assimilation (complex but familiar external objects are modified to fit pre-existing categories in your head) accommodation (have to change ideas in your head to fit realities of external objects)

Question 2

Give a brief outline of Vgyotskys theory of development

Answer 2

Similar to Piaget, more emphasis on social aspects of development, cultural tools are acquired through imitative learning, internalisation, collaborative learning

Question 3

Describe classical learning theory (e.g. Skinner)

Answer 3

Operant conditioning based on reward/reinforcement, punishment, extinction,

Question 4

Describe social learning theory (e.g Bandura)

Answer 4

Observation learning emphasised, precesses include imitation, modelling (attention, retention, reproduction, motivation), vicarious reinforcement

Question 5

How does developmental cognitive neuropsychology differ form cognitive neuropsychology?

Answer 5

Cog Neuro constructs models off changes/damage to previously intact systems, dev cog neuro constructs models off damage to developing systems

Question 6

Give some characteristics of modules

Answer 6

domain specific (Accepts only one type of input), information encapsulation (modules are separate and process independently) mandatory processing (processing is automatic and not under voluntary control) innately controlled (modules thought to be genetically endowed), fixed neural architecture (info process by specific part of brain)

Question 7

What is a more contemporary view of modules?

Answer 7

They have some degree of communication, thus can be viewed as semi-indepedant,

Question 8

Briefly outline Laundau-Kleffner sydnrome

Answer 8

onset 18m-13yrs, sever receptive language impairment, associated with seizures (80%), poor prognosis