Physical and Cognitive Development in Infancy

Flashcards covering key concepts from developmental psychology focusing on physical and cognitive development in infancy.

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the interaction between sensory information and receptors (eyes, ears, tongue, nose, skin), while perception is the interpretation of sensory input crucial for actions like catching a ball.

What does the ecological view of perception emphasize?

It links us to the environment for interaction and adaptation, influencing visual acuity and depth perception.

What significant auditory development occurs during the last two months of pregnancy?

The fetus can hear sounds, while loudness, pitch, and localization develop further after birth.

What are Piaget's four key terms related to cognitive development?

Schemes (mental frameworks), assimilation (fitting new info into schemes), accommodation (modifying schemes), and organization (grouping behaviors into systems).

What are equilibration and disequilibrium in Piaget's theory?

Equilibration is the transition between thought stages, while disequilibrium is the cognitive conflict that triggers change.

What is the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development?

Occurring from birth to 2 years, it involves understanding the world by coordinating sensory input with physical actions.

What is object permanence according to Piaget?

The understanding that objects or events continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.

What is the A-not-B error in the context of infant cognitive development?

The tendency of infants to choose a familiar hiding spot (A) rather than a new one (B) for an object.

How does operant conditioning relate to cognitive development?

As defined by Skinner, behavior changes based on consequences; the Law of Effect states that rewards, like a mobile moving when a baby kicks, increase behavior likelihood.

What is joint attention, and when does it typically develop?

Joint attention is the shared focus on an object or event, typically developing between 9 and 18 months.

How do memory and imitation develop in early infancy?

Infants mimic expressions within 72 hours; memory consists of implicit (unconscious, at birth) and explicit (conscious, develops around 2 years) types.

At what age do infants typically begin to produce their first words?

Around 13 months, following milestones like cooing at 2 to 4 months and babbling at 6 months.

What is a vocabulary spurt and when does it typically occur?

It is a rapid expansion of vocabulary starting around 18 months, often leading to two-word utterances by 18 to 24 months.

How do newborns experience touch, smell, and taste?

Newborns react to touch and pain, distinguish different odors, and develop a preference for salty tastes around 4 months.

What language milestone occurs around 6 months of age?

Babbling begins, and the infant transitions from being a universal linguist to a language-specific listener.