Adolescent Development – Key Theories and Concepts

Question-and-answer flashcards covering major theories, stages, and concepts of adolescent development, cognition, morality, learning, and social influences.

In which three domains do adolescent developmental milestones occur?

Physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional domains

List the four principles of development outlined for adolescence.

Sequential, Gradual (fixed sequence), Individualized, and Holistic

Which metaphor illustrates the gradual principle of development, stressing that growth does not happen instantly?

Like a tree

What term describes the heightened emotional variability often experienced during adolescence?

Storm & Stress

According to adolescent egocentrism, what is the belief that everyone is watching and judging them called?

Imaginary Audience

What is the primary psychosocial crisis of adolescence in Erikson’s theory?

Identity vs Identity Confusion

What does Freud’s psychosexual theory propose happens when childhood conflicts remain unresolved?

They may lead to adult fixations

During which Piagetian stage (with age range) does symbolic thinking develop and egocentrism predominate?

Preoperational stage (2–7 years)

Which Piaget stage allows understanding of conservation and logical operations on concrete objects?

Concrete operational stage (7–11 years)

At what Piaget stage can individuals think abstractly and hypothetically?

Formal operational stage (12+ years)

What is the focus of the Pre-conventional level in Kohlberg’s moral development?

Obedience and self-interest

Which Kohlberg stage judges right and wrong mainly by avoiding punishment?

Stage 1 – Obedience and Punishment

What is the main concern of Kohlberg’s Stage 3, Good Interpersonal Relationships?

Gaining social approval based on intentions

At which Kohlberg stage do individuals prioritize maintaining social order and obeying laws?

Stage 4 – Maintaining Social Order

Which Kohlberg level involves abstract reasoning and universal ethical principles?

Post-conventional level

What distinguishes Kohlberg’s Stage 6, Universal Principles, from earlier stages?

Morality is guided by internal principles of justice even if it requires breaking laws

In classical conditioning, learning occurs through what process?

Association between stimuli

What type of operant consequence involves giving something pleasant to increase a behavior?

Positive reinforcement

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen a behavior is called what?

Negative reinforcement

Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior exemplifies which operant concept?

Positive punishment

Name the four stages of attachment identified in infancy.

Asocial/Pre-attachment (0–6 wks), Indiscriminate attachment (6 wks–7 mos), Specific/Discriminate attachment (7–9 mos), Multiple attachments (10+ mos)

According to Bandura, what are the four processes required for observational learning (in order)?

Attention, Retention, Reproduction, Motivation

In Vygotsky’s theory, what is the gap between what a learner can do alone and with help called?

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

What instructional technique provides temporary support until a learner can perform a task independently?

Scaffolding

According to Havighurst, give two interpersonal developmental tasks related to self during adolescence.

Examples: (1) Accept, care for, and protect one’s physical body; (2) Manage sexuality and its roles; (3) Select and prepare for a career; (4) Adopt a personal set of values

According to Havighurst’s intrapersonal tasks, what must adolescents establish with peers of both sexes?

Mature relationships

Which developmental theory emphasizes language as a powerful cultural tool shaping cognition?

Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory

Within Vygotsky’s framework, who are “more knowledgeable others” (MKOs) and what is their role?

Teachers, peers, or adults who guide learning through interaction and scaffolding