Developmental Theories and Milestones

Comprehensive vocabulary terms based on developmental phases, psychosocial stages, and cognitive theories from infant to adolescent years.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development (0-12 months) where infants learn through their five senses, interactions, and physical activity, eventually developing object permanence.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial stage (0-12 months) where infants develop a sense of trust in themselves, other people, and the world.

Oral Stage

Freud's first psychosexual stage (0-12 months) centered on oral gratification such as sucking and biting.

Object Permanence

A milestone in the Sensorimotor Stage where infants learn basic shapes, textures, and that objects continue to exist even when not seen.

Pre-Attachment

The first stage of Bowlby’s Attachment Theory occurring during infancy.

Strange Situation experiment

Ainsworth’s research experiment used to categorize attachment styles as Secure, Ambivalent, or Avoidant.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's stage for toddlers (12 months-3 years) where children develop understanding through symbolic words and images and exhibit egocentrism.

Egocentrism

The inability to perceive reality from other’s points of view, characteristic of the Preoperational Stage.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson’s stage for toddlers (12 months-3 years) focused on developing independence and self-control.

Anal Stage

Freud's psychosexual stage for toddlers (12 months-3 years) involving bowel pleasure, toilet training, and control.

Rapprochement

Mahler's third sub-phase of Separation-Individuation occurring between 16 to 24 months.

Zone of Proximal Development

Vygotsky's concept defining the gap between what a child can do independently and what they accomplish with effective guidance.

Scaffolding

Vygotsky’s method of teaching that supports children in learning more within their zone of proximal development.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson’s psychosocial stage for preschool-aged children (3-5 years) where they assert power and control over the world.

Operant Conditioning

Skinner's theory where behavior reinforced is repeated and behavior punished is less likely to happen, often tested using the Skinner Box.

Bobo Doll Experiment

Bandura’s famous study demonstrating that children learn by observation and modeling.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's stage for school-age children (5-12 years) where they begin thinking logically, understand reversibility, and empathize with others' views.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson’s stage (5-12 years) where children develop self-confidence and competence through successful experiences in school and activities.

Object Constancy

Mahler’s fourth sub-phase occurring between 24 to 36 months.

Ecological System Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s theory that environmental influences shape development through the Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, and Macrosystem.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory stating lower needs (physiological, safety) must be met before higher needs (self-actualization).

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's adolescent stage (12-18 years) characterized by abstract thinking, deductive reasoning, and hypothetical scenarios.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson’s adolescent stage (12-18 years) focused on developing a sense of self and identity through exploration.

Flow

Csikszentmihalyi’s theory describing full engagement in an enjoyable activity based on 8 criteria including clear goals and loss of self-consciousness.

Pre-conventional Level

Kohlberg’s first level of moral reasoning, consisting of Stage 1 (Obedience and Pleasure) and Stage 2 (Individualism, Instrumentalism, & Exchange).

Blank Slate

Locke's concept that children are born with an empty mind and knowledge is attained through experience and reasoning.

Growth Gradients

Gesell's 10 major milestones based on motor and language development, adaptive behavior, and personal-social behavior.

Absorbent Mind

Montessori's concept that children absorb learning through experience when in a properly prepared environment.

Parallel Play

Parten's stage of play (2.5-3 years) where children play next to each other but do not share.

Cooperative Play

Parten's final stage of play (4-6 years) where children use social skills to learn and play together with peers.