Developmental Psychology: Motor Skills, Piaget, Memory, and Vygotsky

What factors influence motor development according to Dynamic Systems Theory?

Motor development is influenced by biology, environment, motivation, and experience.

What are the four key aspects of motor development as described by Adolph & Hoch?

Motor development is embedded, embodied, enculturated, and enabled.

What is the rooting reflex in infants?

The rooting reflex is when touching the cheek causes the baby to turn and suck.

What is the Moro reflex?

The Moro reflex is a startle response where the arms extend out and then in.

What are the two types of motor skills and their characteristics?

Gross motor skills involve large movements like crawling and walking, while fine motor skills involve precise movements like finger control.

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the detection of stimuli, while perception is the interpretation of those stimuli.

What is habituation and dishabituation?

Habituation is getting used to repeated stimuli, while dishabituation is renewed interest when stimuli change.

At what age does depth perception typically develop in infants?

Depth perception typically develops around 6 months of age.

What are the four stages of Piaget's cognitive development?

1. Sensorimotor (0-2 years), 2. Preoperational (2-7 years), 3. Concrete Operational (7-11 years), 4. Formal Operational (11+ years).

What is a schema in the context of cognitive development?

A schema is a mental framework that helps organize and interpret information.

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) according to Vygotsky?

The ZPD is the range of tasks that a child can perform with help but not yet independently.

What is the role of scaffolding in learning?

Scaffolding provides temporary support to help a child achieve a task they cannot complete alone.

What are the types of memory discussed in the notes?

Types of memory include working memory, implicit/procedural memory, explicit/declarative memory, episodic memory, autobiographical memory, and infantile amnesia.

What is metacognition?

Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes.

What is the significance of the Broccoli-Cracker Study?

The study shows that 18-month-olds can understand and respond to others' preferences.

How does decision-making change during adolescence?

Adolescents reason well but tend to be more emotional and risk-prone.

What is the theory of mind?

The theory of mind is the ability to understand that others have beliefs and desires that may differ from one's own.

What is automaticity in learning?

Automaticity refers to performing tasks with less effort due to practice.

What is cognitive flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt one's thinking and behavior in response to changing situations.

Explicit/Declarative Memory

conscious memory of facts/experiences:

episodic(infantile amnesia) & semantic(expertise)

Implicit/Procedural Memory

memory w/ out conscious recollection

performed automatically

Working memory

short-term use

Implicit/procedural memory:

unconscious skills

Explicit/declarative

facts. Episodic (recalling specific personal events)

Autobiographical

memories of life (broad)

Infantile amnesia

early memories fade (brain not mature)

Assimilation

: new info fits existing schema

Accommodation:

schema changes for new info

Palmar grasp

→ whole hand

Pincer grasp

→ thumb & finger

Palmar Reflex

object in hand → grasp

Sucking Reflex

touch lips → suck