PSYCHOLOGY - development key terms

Autonomic functions

Controls basic life functions that are done subconsciously

Brain stem

Connects the spinal cord and controls the autonomic functions

Cerebellum

Co-ordination and sensory information

Cognition

Thinking and all mental processes

Cortex

Thinking and processing

Nature

Genetic influences

Nurture

Environmental influences

Thalamus

Coordinates motor signals

Accommodation

Takes place when we aquire new information that changes our understanding of a topic

Assimilation

When information goes into a new schema

Schema

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that inf

Conservation

The ability to realise that quantity remains the same even when the appearance my change

Egocentricity

A child’s tendency to not be able to see from another’s perspective

Concrete operational stage

Ages 7-11. Children are able to conserve, better reading abilities however tehy still struggle with reasoning

Formal operational stage

Ages 11+. Capable of formal reasoning. Able to focus and not get distracted

Pre-operational stage

Ages 2-7. Toddlers are mobile and can use a limited amount of language. Havent developed operational thinking

Sensorimotor stage

Ages 0-2. Understanding is directly through their senses. Basic physical coordination

Fixed mindset

The belief that human attributes are fixed and cannot be changed

Growth mindset

The belief that human attributes are malleable and can be changed

Praise

To express approval of someone else and what they have done

Self -efficacy

A persons understanding of their own capabilities

Learning style

The differences in how people learn

Verbaliser

process it by reading and writing

Visualiser

Represent information in images, diagrams and mind maps.