AP Psychology Developmental Stage Theories

Piaget’s sensorimotor stage

the stage (0-2) at which infants know the world mostly in terms of their sensory impressions and motor activities

Piaget’s preoperational stage

the stage (2-7) at which a child learns to use language but does not yet comprehend the mental operations of concrete logic

Piaget’s concrete operational stage

the stage of cognitive development (7-11) at which children can perform the mental operations that enable them to think logically about concrete (actual, physical) events

Piaget’s formal operational stage

the stage of cognitive development (12+) at which people begin to think logically about abstract concepts

Kohlberg’s preconventional level

morality of self-interest: to avoid punishment or gain concrete rewards

Kholberg’s conventional level

morality of law and social rules: to gain approval or avoid disapproval

Kholberg’s postconventional level

morality of abstract principles: to affirm agreed-upon rights and personal ethical principles

Erikson’s infancy (0-1)

trust and mistrust. If needs are dependably met, infants develop a sense of basic trust

Erikson’s toddlerhood (1-3)

autonomy, shame, and doubt. toddlers learn to exercise their will and do things for themselves, or they doubt their abilities

Eriksons perschool (3-6)

initiative and gult. preschoolers learn to initiate tasks and carry out plans, or they feel guilty about their efforts to be independent

Erikson elementry school (6-puberty)

competence (industry and inferiority). children learn the pleasure of applying themselves to tasks, or they feel inferior

Erikson adolescence (teens-20s)

identity and role confusion. teenagers work at refining a sense of self by testing roles and then integrating them to form a single identity, or they become confused about who they are.

Erikson young adulthood (20s-early 40s)

intimacy and isolation. young adults learn to form close relationships and gain the capacity for intimate love, or they feel socially isolated

Erikson middle adulthood (40s-60s)

generatively and stagnation. middle aged people discover a sense of contributing to the world, usually through family and work, or they may feel a lack of purpose.

Erikson late adulthood (late 60s-older)

integrity and despair. reflecting on their lives, older adults may feel a sense of satisfaction or failure.