Developmental Psychology Study Guide

Jean Piaget

Cognitive development; schemas, assimilation, accommodation; four stages of development.

Lev Vygotsky

Sociocultural theory; scaffolding, zone of proximal development.

Kurt Lewin

Social dynamics in development.

Cognitive Development

The process of growth and change in intellectual capabilities.

Schemas

Mental frameworks for organizing information.

Assimilation

Fitting new info into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Modifying schemas for new info.

Sensorimotor Stage

0-2 years: Object permanence, separation anxiety.

Preoperational Stage

2-7 years: Egocentrism, animism, lack of conservation.

Concrete Operational Stage

7-11 years: Logical thinking, understanding conservation.

Formal Operational Stage

12+ years: Abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Phonemes

Smallest sound units.

Morphemes

Smallest units of meaning.

Harlow's Contact Comfort

Physical affection over biological needs.

Ainsworth's Strange Situation

Secure vs. insecure attachment types.

Lorenz's Imprinting

Early critical periods for attachment.

Authoritarian Parenting

Strict, less warmth.

Authoritative Parenting

Rules with warmth; best outcomes.

Permissive Parenting

Few rules; indulgent.

Uninvolved Parenting

Neglectful, distant.

Nature vs. Nurture

Biological and cultural influences.

Social Learning Theory

Gender roles learned via observation and imitation.

Imaginary Audience

Belief that others are always watching.

Personal Fable

Belief in one's uniqueness and invulnerability.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Infancy stage; dependence on caregivers.

Autonomy vs. Shame

1-3 years; independence.

Initiative vs. Guilt

3-6 years; decision-making.

Industry vs. Inferiority

6-12 years; competence in skills.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Teens; self-discovery and independence.

Pre-conventional Moral Development

Obedience and self-interest.

Conventional Moral Development

Social norms and laws.

Post-conventional Moral Development

Universal ethical principles.

Object Permanence

Awareness that objects exist even when unseen.

Egocentrism

Inability to see others' perspectives.

Conservation

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite appearance changes.

Scaffolding

Guided learning with gradually reduced support.

Social Clock

Cultural timing of life events (e.g., marriage).

Emerging Adulthood

Extended transition to adulthood.

Basic Trust

Established through secure attachment (Erikson)

Identity Formation

Marcia’s Theory

Identity Foreclosure

Unquestioning adoption of parental values

Identity Acheivement

Commitment to a chosen path after exploration.