Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Formal Operational Thought Stage

A stage in Piaget's theory where individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and systematically.

Hypothetical-Deductive Reasoning

The ability to think about hypothetical statements and understand their logical relationships, starting with a hypothesis and deducing logical, testable inferences.

Adolescent Egocentrism

A developmental stage where adolescents have difficulty distinguishing their own perspective from that of others, leading to a heightened sense of self-importance.

Personal Fable

The belief held by adolescents that they are unique and that their experiences are different from those of others.

Invincibility Fable

The belief that one is immune to the dangers that affect others, often leading to risky behavior.

Imaginary Audience

The belief that others are as focused on the adolescent's appearance and behavior as they are, leading to heightened self-consciousness.

Piaget's Pendulum Problem

An activity used to illustrate formal operational thought, where individuals determine what factors influence the rate of a pendulum's swing.

Pendulum Problem Hypothesis Factors

Four factors that may influence the pendulum's swing: length of the string, weight of the object, height from which it is dropped, and force of initial push.

Propositional Thought

The ability to evaluate the logic of verbal statements without needing to refer to concrete situations.

Consequences of Adolescent Cognitive Changes

Changes in thinking that can lead to the development of lifelong interests and career paths.

Schooling & Academic Achievement

Factors that can influence cognitive development and the attainment of educational goals during adolescence.

Egocentrism

The inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others, particularly in adolescents.

Logical Reasoning

The process of using structured and systematic thinking to arrive at conclusions.

Abstract Thinking

The ability to think about concepts and ideas that are not physically present or tangible.

Systematic Thinking

A methodical approach to problem-solving that involves considering all variables and possible outcomes.

Adolescence

A key developmental period characterized by significant cognitive changes and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Cognitive Development

The process of growth and change in intellectual capabilities that influence a person's ability to think, learn, and understand.

Piaget (1972)

A reference to Jean Piaget's work on cognitive development, emphasizing the importance of abstract thought in adolescents.

Balance Scale Problem

A problem-solving task used to assess an individual's ability to understand and manipulate variables in a systematic way.

Concrete Operations

A stage in Piaget's theory where children are capable of logical thought but struggle with abstract concepts.

Propositional Thought

Ability to evaluate the logic of verbal statements or propositions without referring to real-world circumstances.

Adolescent Decision Making

Adolescents know about the risks of certain behaviors such as driving around with peers, but the perceived benefits outweigh the perceived risks.

Adolescent Egocentrism

Self-consciousness, self-focusing, sensitivity to public criticism.

Personal Fable

The belief that one is so unique that others cannot understand their feelings or experiences.

Invincibility Fable

The belief that nothing bad can happen to oneself.

Imaginary Audience

The belief that everyone is watching and paying attention to oneself.

Reading and Writing Achievement

Girls have higher scores in verbal ability, reading & writing, with the advantage increasing over adolescence.

Math Achievement Gender Gaps

Boys outperform girls on math, while girls outperform boys in reading and writing.

Holland's Personality Types

Categories of personality types including Investigative, Social, Realistic, Artistic, Conventional, and Enterprising.

Phases of Vocational Development

1. Fantasy Period: Early & middle childhood; fantasize about careers. 2. Tentative Period: Ages 11 to 16; evaluate careers in terms of interests, abilities, and values. 3. Realistic Period: Late teens to early 20's; exploration followed by focusing on vocational category, then settling on specific career.

Idealism and Criticism

A cognitive change in adolescents where they evaluate ideas and beliefs critically.

Poor Planning & Decision Making

Teen responses to hypothetical dilemmas often rely on intuition rather than structured reasoning.

Risky Behavior

Behavior that is influenced by the presence of peers, affecting decision making.

Guidance and Practice

Important factors for improving decision-making skills in adolescents.

Sex Differences in Mental Abilities

Boys and girls do not differ in general intelligence, but there may be differences in specific mental abilities.

U.S. Department of Education Reports

Reports from 2012 and 2014 indicating gender gaps in math achievement.

Media Initiatives to Encourage Gender Equity in STEM

Programs aimed at reducing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Early STEM Advantage

Boys have an early advantage in STEM subjects.

Tentative Period

Ages 11 to 16 where individuals evaluate careers based on interests, abilities, and values.

Realistic Period

Late teens to early 20's where individuals explore and focus on vocational categories before settling on specific careers.