Developmental Psychology: FASD, Language, Piaget, Vygotsky & Attachment

How does prenatal alcohol exposure affect fetal brain and physical development?

It can cause central nervous system damage, structural brain abnormalities, growth deficits, and distinct facial differences.

Why can Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) often go undiagnosed?

Many individuals do not display characteristic physical features, leading to cognitive and behavioral symptoms that overlap with other conditions.

What challenges might children with FASD experience?

They may face memory impairment, poor impulse control, learning disabilities, and social interaction difficulties.

How does Kanzi communicate with humans?

Kanzi uses a lexigram board featuring geometric symbols to express words and concepts.

What capabilities does Kanzi demonstrate regarding symbolic representation?

He understands that specific symbols represent real-world objects and can comprehend spoken English words.

How does Kanzi's language use illustrate the difference between understanding symbols and applying grammar?

He can use a large vocabulary of symbols but does not naturally use complex syntax or grammatical rules.

What reaction does an infant show when an object is hidden before developing object permanence?

The infant acts as if the object no longer exists and loses interest.

At what age do infants typically begin to pass object permanence tasks?

Infants begin developing object permanence between 7 and 12 months.

How does the object permanence demonstration support Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage?

It shows infants rely on sensory input and motor actions before developing representational thought.

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) according to Vygotsky?

The ZPD is the learning space between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

How does Vygotsky's view of cognitive development differ from Piaget's?

Vygotsky emphasized social learning through interaction, while Piaget focused on internal processes of exploration.

What role does scaffolding play in learning?

Scaffolding provides temporary support tailored to the child's ability, gradually removed as competence increases.

Which surrogate mother did infant monkeys prefer in Harlow's experiment?

They overwhelmingly preferred the soft cloth mother.

What concept did Harlow coin regarding infant attachment?

Contact Comfort, which emphasizes the importance of physical contact in attachment.

How did infant monkeys react to new environments with the cloth mother present versus absent?

With the cloth mother present, they felt secure to explore; without her, they froze in fear.