Middle Childhood: Information Processing

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cognitive changes and information processing during middle childhood, as discussed in the lecture.

Cognitive Changes in Middle Childhood

Refers to the developments in thinking, reasoning, and other cognitive processes occurring in children aged approximately 6 to 11.

Piaget's concrete operational stage

A phase of cognitive development where children begin to think logically about concrete events.

Executive Functions (EF)

Higher-level cognitive processes that include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.

Working Memory

The ability to hold and manipulate information in one's mind over short periods.

Metacognition

The awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, often referred to as 'thinking about thinking'.

ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and/or inattention that interferes with daily life.

Self-control

The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and urges.

Memory Strategies

Techniques used to enhance the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

Rehearsal

A memory strategy that involves the deliberate repetition of information to aid retention.

Chunking

A memory strategy that involves grouping information into larger, more manageable units.

Encoding

The process of taking information and converting it into a form that can be stored in memory.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to remember items presented at the beginning of a list better than those presented later.

Recency Effect

The tendency to remember items presented at the end of a list better than those presented earlier.

Cognitive Load

The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause abnormalities during embryonic development.