Conceptual Development

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on conceptual development, focusing on intuitive theories of knowledge, object understanding, categorization, number sense, and theory of mind.

Intuitive Theories of Human Knowledge

Understanding how different groups, such as US and Indian adults, and US children perceive knowledge.

Objects

Physical entities that can be identified and categorized by infants.

Synchronized Motion

A cue used by infants to identify objects, inferring continuity through motion.

Habituation

A process in which infants show reduced interest in a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Gravity

An expectation infants have that objects are subject to gravitational forces.

Causal Relationships

Basic understandings infants have regarding how objects interact and move, showing they can discern causes from non-causes.

Categories

Mental groupings that help organize objects, often learned through patterns and language.

Shape Bias

A tendency in children to categorize unfamiliar objects based on their shape rather than other features.

Generics

Statements that refer to entire categories of objects or beings, such as 'Cats say meow'.

Essences

Inherent properties thought to underlie the identity of category members.

Approximate Number Sense (ANS)

The ability to perceive and estimate numerical quantities without counting.

Object File System

A system used to track individual objects, particularly effective for small numbers (1-4 items).

Theory of Mind

The understanding that mental processes like beliefs and intentions influence behavior.

False Belief Task

A test used to assess whether individuals can understand that others may hold beliefs that differ from reality.

Dual Representation

The challenge children face when recognizing that a model (like a scale model of a room) can simultaneously represent both itself and what it symbolizes.

Identifying Agents

Infants' ability to recognize and interpret behaviors of objects as characteristics of agents based on visual and movement cues.

Infants' Learning of Causality

The ability of infants to understand the relationship between causes and effects in their environment.

Social Referencing

The way infants look to caregivers for cues on how to react in uncertain situations.

Language Development

The process through which infants acquire the ability to understand and communicate using language.

Imitation

A learning process where infants replicate behaviors observed in others.

Numerical Abilities

Skills related to understanding and working with numbers, including simple addition and subtraction.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the importance of a strong emotional and physical bond between infants and their primary caregivers.

Visual Perception

The ability of infants to interpret visual stimuli and make sense of the world around them.

Multi-Sensory Integration

The process by which infants combine information from different sensory modalities to form a comprehensive understanding of their environment.