Study Guide for Development and Learning Test (Unit 3)

Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget's theory that development is shaped by both biological and environmental factors.

Schemas

Mental molds into which we pour our experiences, developing through assimilation and accommodation.

Assimilation

The process of learning something new and incorporating it into existing schemas.

Accommodation

The adjustment of schemas based on new information or experiences.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage (0-2 years) characterized by object permanence and stranger anxiety.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's second stage (2-6 years) characterized by pretend play and egocentrism.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third stage (7-11 years) marked by conservation and mathematical observations.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's fourth stage (12+ years) involving abstract logic and mature moral reasoning.

Authoritarian Parenting

A style where parents impose rules and expect obedience.

Authoritative Parenting

A style where parents are demanding but responsive to their children.

Permissive Parenting

A style where parents listen to children and exercise little discipline.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to reason quickly, which declines with age.

Crystalline Intelligence

Accumulated knowledge and skills that do not decline with age.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation for males during puberty.

Menarche

The first menstrual period for females during puberty.

Limitations of Piaget’s Theory

Some limitations include the variability in development and age differences.

Sociocultural Theory

Vygotsky's theory stating that the environment significantly affects development.

Zone of Proximal Development

The stage where a child can perform tasks using guidance from a 'more knowledgeable other'.

More Knowledgeable Other

A person who assists the learner by providing guidance and modeling.

Scaffolding

A support system that helps guide the learner to achieve the end goal, which may decrease over time.

Private Speech

Inner thoughts expressed by an individual to themselves.

Changing Understandings of Gender

A growing acceptance of diverse genders due to social awareness and activism.

LGBTQIA+ Nomenclature

An acronym representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, etc.

Types of Learning

Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Observational Conditioning.

Observational Learning

Learning through imitation, particularly from observing rewards and punishments.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs without reinforcement because of intrinsic motivation.

Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Setup

Involves replacing an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and unconditioned response (UCR) with a conditioned stimulus (CS) and conditioned response (CR).

Timing in Classical Conditioning

Timing is crucial for acquisition and extinction; the neutral stimulus must immediately follow the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

The re-emergence of a conditioned response after a rest period.

Generalization in Classical Conditioning

Responding to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Classical vs Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is behavior-based learning involving reinforcement, while classical conditioning is based on response and does not involve reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement

Strengthening a response by presenting a positive stimulus after the response.

Negative Reinforcement

Strengthening a response by reducing or removing an aversive stimulus.

Issues with Positive Reinforcement

It can create dependence on external rewards, discouraging intrinsic motivation.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement given after a specified number of responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement given after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

Reinforcement given after a specific amount of time.

Variable Interval Schedule

Reinforcement given at unpredictable times.

Positive Punishment

Giving an aversive stimulus in response to undesired behavior.

Negative Punishment

Withdrawing or taking away a desired stimulus as a consequence for undesired behavior.