PS220 Unit 6: Middle Childhood and Adolescent Cognitive Development Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of cognitive development in middle childhood and adolescence based on Berk (2022).

Concrete Operational Thought

A stage of thinking most effective when children work with concrete, real-world information rather than abstract ideas.

Conservation

The understanding that quantity or physical properties of an object remain constant even when its appearance changes.

Transitive Inference

The ability to seriate mentally and understand the relationships between items to organize them.

Formal Operational Stage

A stage beginning around age 11 characterized by the development of abstract, hypothetical, and scientific reasoning.

Hypothetico-deductive Reasoning

A systematic approach to problem solving that involves forming hypotheses and testing variables to evaluate outcomes.

Piaget’s Theory Strength

It emphasizes that children are active learners who develop increasingly advanced reasoning skills through developmental changes.

Piaget’s Theory Criticism

Research suggests it underestimated children’s abilities, as they often demonstrate cognitive skills earlier when tasks are simplified.

Executive Function

A set of cognitive skills that includes planning, attention shifting, inhibition, working memory, and self-regulation.

Working Memory

A cognitive system whose capacity increases significantly during middle childhood and adolescence to support learning and reasoning.

Metacognition

The practice of thinking about one’s own thinking, which involves monitoring learning and adjusting problem-solving strategies.

Information-processing Perspective

A cognitive theory emphasizing gradual improvements in memory, attention, executive functioning, and the use of strategies.

ADHD

A condition commonly involving difficulties with executive functioning, specifically related to attention, planning, and self-control.

Metalinguistic Awareness

The ability to think about language as a system, including its grammar, meanings, and communication rules.

Bilingualism

The fluency in two languages, which may strengthen cognitive flexibility, attention control, and metalinguistic awareness.

Vygotsky’s Theory

A perspective emphasizing that learning occurs through culture, social interaction, language, and guided participation.

Zone of Proximal Development

The range of tasks that a child cannot yet complete independently but can accomplish with support or guidance.

Imaginary Audience

An adolescent belief that others are constantly observing and evaluating them, which increases self-consciousness.

Media Multitasking

The act of using multiple media devices simultaneously, which may reduce sustained attention and interfere with executive functioning.

Adolescent Decision Making

A process that improves gradually but is heavily influenced by emotions, peers, and challenges with impulse control.

Scaffolding

A method adults use to support cognitive development through guided learning, discussion, and cooperative problem solving.