psyc chp 14

These flashcards cover key concepts in cognitive and moral development theories, focusing on Piaget's cognitive stages, Kohlberg's moral reasoning, and Erikson's identity development.

Cognitive Development

The process through which individuals acquire and modify their understanding of the world, as proposed by Piaget.

Constructivist Approach

Educational philosophy that emphasizes the learner's active role in constructing knowledge through experience.

Genetic Epistemology

Piaget's term for the study of the origins of knowledge, focusing on how children develop an understanding of reality.

Schemas

Cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

The process of integrating new information into existing cognitive structures or schemas.

Accommodation

The process of altering existing schemas to fit new information and experiences.

Equilibrium

A state in which a person's existing schemas are consistent with new experiences.

Disequilibrium

A state of cognitive imbalance that arises when new information cannot be assimilated into existing schemas.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage of Piaget's theory (0-2 years), where infants learn through their senses and motor actions.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage of Piaget's theory (2-7 years), characterized by egocentrism and limited logical reasoning.

Concrete Operational Stage

The third stage of Piaget's theory (7-11 years), where children gain the ability to perform logical operations on concrete objects.

Formal Operational Stage

The fourth stage of Piaget's theory (12 years and up), where individuals can think abstractly and use hypothetical reasoning.

Moral Development

The process through which individuals develop moral reasoning and ethical understanding, as discussed by Kohlberg.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral dilemma used by Kohlberg to study moral reasoning, highlighting conflicts between moral values.

Preconventional Level

The first level of Kohlberg's moral development theory, where moral reasoning is based on self-interest.

Conventional Level

The second level of Kohlberg's moral development theory, where moral reasoning is based on societal norms and rules.

Postconventional Level

The third level of Kohlberg's moral development theory, where moral reasoning considers abstract principles.

Gilligan's Critique

A critique of Kohlberg's theory asserting that it is biased toward male perspectives of moral reasoning.

Identity Development

The process of developing a coherent sense of self and identity across the lifespan, as described by Erikson.

Crisis and Resolution

Erikson's concept that each stage of development involves a crisis that must be resolved for healthy identity formation.

Moratorium

A period during which adolescents explore their identity without making firm commitments.

Identity Achievement

The status achieved when an individual has gone through a crisis and made definitive commitments.