Evaluating Contemporary Theories of Cognitive Development (Week 2, Lecture 2)

Information-Processing Approach - Strengths

• scientifically grounded (experimental methods)

• explains mechanisms of learning

• educational relevance (interventions)

Information-Processing Approach - Limitations

• overly mechanistic

• limited explanatory depth (how not why)

• neglects social context (interaction, culture)

Neo-Piagetian Theories - Strengths

• explains individual differences (diff. rates)

• links development to brain growth

• more flexible than Piaget

Neo-Piagetian Theories - Limitations

• still partly stage-like (structured levels)

• limited focus on social learning (interaction, culture, teaching)

• measurement challenges (processing capacity, WM)

Siegler’s Overlapping Waves - Strengths

• more realistic than Piaget stage model

• reflects real-world learning (trial and error)

• accounts for individual differences

Siegler’s Overlapping Waves - Limitations

• difficult to measure empirically

• limited explanations of what drives change

• less emphasis on cognitive capacity + brain development

Influencing Factors - Individual Differences (Dewi, 2021)

variable cog. abilities due to genetics, WM capacity, learning styles.

diff. processing speeds, some advanced thinking earlier (flexibility explained by Siegler).

Influencing Factors - Environment (Acar, 2014)

SES, education, cultural impact on cog. growth.

Vygotsky - social interactions and cultural tools.

learning environments shape memory + problem-solving skills.

play - increases linguistic, mental, social, emotional, motor skills. learning through experience.

Influencing Factors - Motivation (Carlton & Winsler, 1998)

motivation impacts engagement w/ learning.

high motivation → more effort + persistence (Siegler explains).

low motivation → slows info processing + strategy switching.

importance of intrinsic motivation - competence, relatedness, autonomy (Deci et al., 1991).

• autonomy supported at home → transfer feelings of autonomy to school.