PSYCH EXAM 3 - Development I

3 Theoretical Perspectives

(Nature vs. nurture), (Continuity vs. discontinuity), (Universal vs. ecological)

Continuity vs discontinuity

Are changes gradual or abrupt?

Universal vs. ecological

Are developmental patterns universal or culture-specific?

Spearhead of cognitive development theory:

Jean Piaget

Piagetian Concepts on Schemas:

Assimilation, accommodation

Assimilation

Incorporation of new learning into an existing schema without the need to revise schema (Dog = 4-legged)

Accommodation

Incorporation of new learning into an existing schema that requires revision of the schema (Cat)

reminder!!

Stages of cognitive development

Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational

Sensorimotor stage

(Birth-2 years) Interaction with environment, focus on here/now

Sensorimotor stage cognitive milestone

Object permanence

Preoperational stage

(2-6 years) No internal mental operations/manipulations, egocentrism

Preoperational stage cognitive milestone

Conservation tasks

Concrete operational

Internal mental operations/manipulations, but concrete (not abstract), hands-on learning best

Formal operational

(12+ years) Abstract concepts, problem solving goes beyond trial and error, “what if” questions

Criticisms of Piaget’s theory:

Reduced focus on individual differences, theory follows discontinuity/abrupt which might not be true for everyone

Theory of Mind (TOM)

Extends Piaget’s concept of egocentrism, can child understand another person’s POV? Emerges at 3-4 years

Test for TOM

False belief (Sally-Anne) test

Temperament

Individual differences in patterns of mood, activity, and emotional responsiveness, predictive of adult personality

At what age do psychologists classify personality traits?

18+ (adulthood)

reminder!!

Attachment

Connection between infant and parent/caregiver

Attachment Pattern Study

Strange situation paradigm, 4 different categories of attachment

4 Different Attachment Pattern Types

Secure, avoidant, anxious-ambivalent, disorganized