Adolescent Development and Learning Concepts

A set of flashcards focusing on key concepts and vocabulary related to adolescent development, learning theories, and associated psychological principles.

Puberty

The period when sexual maturation occurs and is controlled by hormones.

Adolescent Growth Spurt

A rapid increase in height and weight occurring during adolescence.

Early Adolescence

The stage of development from ages 10 to 13 characterized by the beginning of puberty.

Middle Adolescence

The stage of development from ages 14 to 17 characterized by exploration of identity and increased independence.

Late Adolescence

The stage of development from ages 18 to 21 characterized by emotional stability and long-term goal setting.

Erikson's Stage: Industry vs. Inferiority

A stage where children learn to be productive and compare themselves with others.

Social Redefinition

The process by which an individual’s social status is redefined as they transition from child to adult.

Age of Majority

The legal age when minors are considered adults, typically 18 years.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Tasks just beyond a person's ability but achievable with help.

Scaffolding

Support that helps a learner reach the next step in their development.

Metacognition

Awareness of one's own thought process.

Egocentrism in Adolescence

Self-focus where adolescents believe others are as interested in them as they are.

Personal Fable

The belief that one's experiences are unique and that no one understands them.

Kohlberg's Moral Development

A theory focused on how individuals reason about moral issues and justice.

Deductive Reasoning

Logical reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing general conclusions based on specific evidence.

Examples of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.

Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa

Extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.

Characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating followed by purging, feelings of guilt, and maintaining normal weight.

IQ Formula

IQ = (Mental Age/Chronological Age) × 100.

Learning versus Maturation

Learning is a change in behavior from experience; maturation is biological unfolding.

Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated.

Thorndike's Principle

Basis for operant conditioning, highlighting behavior and consequences.

Classical Conditioning

Learning by association, as demonstrated by Pavlov's dogs.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally elicits a response.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

A natural response elicited by an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

A learned response to a conditioned stimulus.

Extinction in Conditioning

When a conditioned response fades after the CS is presented without the UCS.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance of a CR after a rest period following extinction.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a desired behavior.

Punishment

Applying an unpleasant consequence to decrease an undesired behavior.

Social Perspective-Taking

Seeing events from another person's viewpoint.

Mutual Role Taking

Understanding how actions affect one another in a social context.

The Imaginary Audience

The belief that everyone is watching or judging one's behavior.

Anorexia vs. Bulimia

Anorexia involves severe food restriction while bulimia includes binge eating and purging.

Average IQ Range

90-109 is considered average.

Classical vs. Operant Conditioning

Classical is associative learning; operant is learning based on consequences.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

The theory proposing 9 distinct types of intelligence.

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory

Three types of intelligence: analytical, creative, and practical.

Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Transition to more abstract, complex, and multidimensional thinking.

Adolescent Risk-Taking

Common risk behavior among adolescents often influenced by peers.

Distorted Body Image

Seeing oneself as overweight despite being underweight commonly in eating disorders.

Hypothetical Thinking

Ability to consider possibilities and alternative outcomes.

Cognitive Complexity

The ability to think about multiple dimensions and perspectives.

Expressive Language Development

The growth of vocabulary and sentence complexity during childhood.

Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage

The stage where infants learn through their senses and actions.

Piaget's Preoperational Stage

Characterized by rapid language development and egocentric thinking.

Piaget's Concrete Operational Stage

Logical reasoning about concrete objects, typically from ages 7 to 11.

Piaget's Formal Operational Stage

Abstract thinking and hypothesis testing, beginning around age 11.

Concrete Operations

Logical reasoning focused on tangible situations.

Formal Operations

Advanced reasoning involving abstract concepts.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

Peer pressure, media ideals, and family dynamics.

Social Convention

Norms that guide daily social interactions and behaviors.

Legal Age of Consent

The minimum age at which an individual can legally engage in sexual activity.

Statutory Offenses

Behaviors that are illegal only for minors.

Criminal Justice Issues in Adolescents

Adolescents often have less understanding of their rights.

Debutante Ball

A formal introduction of a young person to society at around ages 16-18.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral scenario used to assess moral reasoning according to Kohlberg.

Adolescents' Legal Rights

Rights that may include voting, marriage, and civil liberties.

Cognitive Development Impact on Education

Understanding cognitive stages helps design appropriate learning experiences.

Adolescent Emotional Development

Increased emotional balance and identity consolidation in late adolescence.

Influence of Peer Relationships

Peers significantly shape behaviors and decisions during adolescence.

Effects of Poverty on Adolescents

Increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors and lower academic success.

Foundation of Operant Conditioning

Behavioral tendencies influenced by rewards and punishments.

Function of Aldosterone in Adolescence

Regulates salt and water balance during the growth spurt of adolescence.

Comparative Risk Factors by Maturation Timing

Early-maturing boys tend to engage in more risk behaviors.

Adolescent Cognitive Transitions

Shift from concrete to abstract thinking improves decision-making.

Developments in Expressive Language

Expansion of vocabulary and ability to form complex sentences.

Risks Associated with Underage Alcohol Use

Potential for addiction, risky behaviors, and legal consequences.

Characteristics of Adolescent Immigrants

Struggles with identity, cultural adjustment, and social pressures.

Impact of Neighborhood Environment

Neighborhood circumstances can affect adolescence behaviors and mental health.

Legal Constraints on Adolescents

Variances in legal rights and responsibilities across states and cultures.

Socialization During Adolescence

Integration of societal expectations and peer influences on behavior.

Long-term Effects of Adolescent Relationships

Influences on emotional stability, social skill development, and decision-making.

Delays in Puberty Signs

Factors such as stress, malnutrition, and health issues can delay puberty.

Transitioning to Adulthood

Changes in social status and responsibilities as individuals reach adulthood.

Quinceañera

A cultural tradition marking the transition of a Latina girl to womanhood.

Factors Influencing Early Maturation

Increased attention or pressure for early maturing individuals may affect self-esteem.

Consequence of Socioeconomic Status in Adolescents

Influenced by neighborhood conditions and access to resources.

Cognitive Development and Learning

Cognitive theories inform effective teaching methods for different learning stages.

Impact of School Environment

School climate and relationships with teachers can impact adolescent learning outcomes.

Understanding of Relationship Dynamics

Adolescents learn to negotiate complex social relationships and interactions.

Effects of Stress on Adolescent Development

Stress can trigger negative behaviors, including substance use and academic decline.

Influence of Family Dynamics on Risk Behaviors

Family relationships can either mitigate or exacerbate risk-taking in adolescents.

Patterns of Marriage in Recent Decades

Trends of marrying later than in previous generations are evident.

Drug Use Trends Among Immigrant Adolescents

Increased likelihood of substance use as immigrant youth adapt to new environments.

Cultural Differences in Parenting Styles

Various approaches to parenting may influence adolescent behavior and resilience.

Legal Definitions of Adulthood by Region

Different cultures have varying ages assigning legal adulthood.

Perceived Risk vs. Real Risk

Adolescents often perceive lower risks in their behavior than reality dictates.

Adolescent Identity Exploration

A critical task during adolescence where individuals explore self-concept and identity.

Development of Civic Responsibility

Adolescents begin to understand and engage in community responsibilities.

Media Influence on Body Image

Exposure to idealized body standards can impact adolescent self-esteem and identity.

Characteristics of Higher Education Pursuit

Adolescents increasingly seek higher education as a path to career advancement.

Infant Testing Challenges

Difficulties arise in accurately assessing infants before 18 months of age.

Principles of Adaptive Learning

Support tailored to individual needs improves learning outcomes for adolescents.

Eating Disorders and Associated Risks

Severity of eating disorders can lead to physical and psychological complications.

Factors Leading to College Success

Support systems and resource access contribute to undergraduate completion.

Cognitive Theories Applied to Practice

Educational strategies based on cognitive development theories enhance learning.