Psychological Theories and Development

These flashcards cover key concepts in developmental psychology, including theories of cognitive and moral development, parenting styles, attachment styles, and more.

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

A theory outlining four stages: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage in Piaget’s theory, characterized by object permanence.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage in Piaget’s theory marked by egocentrism and symbolic thought.

Concrete Operational Stage

The third stage in Piaget’s theory focusing on conservation and classification.

Formal Operational Stage

The final stage in Piaget’s theory involving abstract reasoning.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

A theory comprising eight stages including Trust vs. Mistrust and Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Trust vs. Mistrust

The first stage in Erikson’s theory focused on trust and security in infancy.

Autonomy vs. Shame

The second psychosocial stage where children develop independence.

Kohlberg’s Moral Development

A theory of moral reasoning divided into three levels: Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional.

Zone of Proximal Development

A concept by Vygotsky that describes the difference between what a learner can do without help and with help.

Scaffolding

A support mechanism that helps learners achieve higher levels of understanding.

Sternberg’s Theories

Theories encompassing the Triarchic theory of intelligence and the Triangular theory of love.

Authoritative Parenting Style

A balanced parenting style that combines responsiveness and demandingness.

Attachment Styles

Categories of how individuals relate to others, including Secure, Avoidant, Ambivalent, and Disorganized.

Self-esteem

Refers to a person's sense of self-worth.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed.

Gender Identity

An individual's personal sense of their gender, which may differ from their sex assigned at birth.

Synaptic Pruning

The process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to improve efficiency.

Oxytocin

A hormone associated with bonding and social interactions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to the reward system and pleasure.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite.