Overview of Social Development

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to social development from the course notes.

Social Development

The process by which individuals learn to interact and communicate with others, and how their social environment influences this.

Cognitive Developmental Theory

A framework that emphasizes the development of thinking processes in children as they interact with their environment.

Competence-Performance Distinction

The difference between what a child is capable of doing (competence) and what they actually demonstrate in a given context (performance).

Observational Methods

Research techniques that involve observing subjects in their natural environment to gather data.

Behaviorism

A school of thought in psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and their associations with stimuli, often through conditioning.

Social Learning Theory

A theory emphasizing that children learn behaviors by observing and imitating others.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence are static and cannot change.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication and hard work.

Ecological Theories

Theory focusing on the relationships and influences of various environmental systems on human development.

Bioecological Model

Bronfenbrenner’s model that emphasizes the complex interplay between a child and different systems in their environment.

Multiple Intelligences Theory

Howard Gardner's theory that suggests there are different kinds of intelligence, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, and spatial.

Imitative Learning

The process by which children learn behaviors and skills by observing and replicating the actions of others.

Scaffolding

A teaching method that provides support to students in their learning process, gradually removing assistance as they become more competent.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks that a learner can perform with the help of a knowledgeable partner, which they cannot accomplish independently.

Critical Period

A specific time frame during which the development of certain skills or abilities is believed to be most crucial.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans, particularly between children and their caregivers.

Executive Functioning

A set of mental processes that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, essential for goal-directed behavior.

Resilience

The ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity.