Cognitive and Language Development in Early Childhood

These flashcards cover essential concepts and terminology related to cognitive and language development during early childhood, based on the provided lecture notes.

Behaviorist approach

A theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.

Classical conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together, leading to a conditioned response.

Little Albert experiment

A study by John B. Watson demonstrating classical conditioning in humans by pairing a loud sound with a white rat.

Operant conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Bayley scales of infant and toddler development

A standard series of measurements to assess the development of infants and toddlers across five domains.

Cognitive development

The process by which children acquire knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Sensorimotor stage

The first stage in Piaget's theory, occurring from birth to 2 years, where infants learn through sensory experiences and manipulating objects.

Object permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be observed.

Causality

The relationship between cause and effect, which infants begin to understand through their interactions with the environment.

Joint attention

A social-cognitive skill that involves two people sharing attention on the same object or event.

Language acquisition device (LAD)

A theoretical construct proposed by Noam Chomsky suggesting that humans are born with an innate ability to acquire language.

Prelinguistic speech

Vocalizations made by infants that are not yet words, such as crying, cooing, and babbling.

Telegraphic speech

Early form of speech used by children that conveys meaning with a limited number of essential words.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first psychosocial stage, occurring from birth to 18 months, emphasizing the importance of reliable caregiving in the development of trust.

Attachment

A deep emotional connection that an infant forms with their caregiver, which shapes their social and emotional development.

Secure attachment

A healthy attachment style where a child feels safe and comforted by the caregiver, showing resilience in stress.

Self-concept

The understanding and perception one has of oneself, including attributes, beliefs, and values.

Fast mapping

The process by which children quickly learn and remember words after only a few exposures.

Self-esteem

The evaluative aspect of self-concept, reflecting a person's judgement about their own worth.

Emotional development

The development of a child's ability to recognize, express, and manage emotions.