Piaget and Vygotsky Cognitive Theories Review

Vocabulary flashcards related to cognitive development theories by Piaget and Vygotsky, including concepts of attachment, identity, and moral reasoning.

Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development

Four stages through which children progress: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, Formal Operational.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage (birth to 2 years) where knowledge develops through sensory experiences and motor activities.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, developed during the Sensorimotor Stage.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage (2 to 7 years) characterized by symbolic thinking and egocentrism, but lacking logical reasoning.

Egocentrism

In the Preoperational Stage, the inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others.

Concrete Operational Stage

The third stage (7 to 11 years) where children begin to think logically about concrete events and understand the concept of conservation.

Formal Operational Stage

The fourth stage (11 years and up) where individuals can think abstractly and use deductive reasoning.

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes the importance of social interactions and culture in cognitive development.

Scaffolding

A teaching method that involves providing support to learners and gradually removing it as they become more competent.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The range of tasks that a child can perform with assistance but not yet independently.

Cognitive Equilibrium

A state of mental balance where assimilation and accommodation are in harmony.

Disequilibrium

Cognitive discomfort that arises when new information does not fit existing schemas, prompting cognitive growth.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior that children develop in relation to their caregivers, categorized into four types: Secure, Avoidant, Resistant, Disorganized.

Secure Attachment

A strong emotional bond where a child feels safe to explore and trusts that their caregiver will be responsive.

Avoidant Attachment

A type of attachment characterized by indifference toward a caregiver, showing no distress when separated.

Resistant Attachment

A type of attachment marked by extreme distress when separated and ambivalence upon reunion.

Disorganized Attachment

A confused attachment style where the child displays contradictory behaviors toward the caregiver.

Identity Statuses

Categories developed by Marcia outlining identity development: Achievement, Moratorium, Foreclosure, Diffusion.

Cognitive Development

The progression through which individuals learn to think, reason, and understand their environment.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, self-control, and other skills important for success in daily life.

Authoritative Parenting

A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness and high demands, promoting independence while providing support.

Kohlberg's Levels of Moral Development

Three levels of moral reasoning: Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional, with each having two stages.

Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

In Kohlberg's theory, the highest stage of moral reasoning where individuals follow their principles even if they conflict with laws.