Cognitive Development and Parenting

Flashcards on Cognitive Development and Parenting

Accommodation

Changing a pre-existing mental idea to fit a new one. Adapting the current schema to incorporate new information.

Assimilation

Fitting new information into an existing mental framework or schema.

Schemas

Mental blueprints or organized patterns of information that help us organize information, interpret experiences, and guide behavior.

Piaget's Key Ideas

There are four stages in developing our thinking and associated mental abilities. The same sequence is followed by everyone, regardless of culture. Stages are linked to an age range. Stages cannot be skipped and not all people reach stage four.

Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years)

Cognitive development is demonstrated through motor activity and experiences involving the use of the senses. Knowledge of the world is limited (but developing) based on physical interactions/experiences.

Object permanence

The idea that objects exist even when they're out of sight.

Goal-directed behaviour

The idea that as we grow, we learn that our behaviour can influence the world around us, and we can take deliberate action towards a goal.

Preoperational stage (2 - 7 years)

The child is developing the ability to use language and symbols (known as symbolic thinking)

Egocentrism

The tendency to view the world solely from one's own perspective and to assume others share the same thoughts, feelings, and experiences

Symbolic thinking

The ability to use symbols, like words and images, to represent objects, events, and ideas

Reversibility

The ability of something to be reversed or undone, returning to its original state or condition

Animism

The belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Everything is conscious

Centration

The tendency to focus on only one aspect of a situation or object, while ignoring other relevant details

Concrete Operational Stage (7 – 12 years)

The thought process becomes more rational and mature. The child has the ability to develop logical thought about a concrete object (an object they can physically see).

Conservation

Refers to the idea that an object does not change its weight, mass, volume or area when the object changes its shape or appearance.

Classification

The ability to organise information (things or events) into categories based on common features that set them apart from other classes or groups (categories)

Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)

More complex thought processes are evident, and their thinking becomes increasingly sophisticated through the combined effects of brain maturation and life experiences.

Abstract thinking

A way of thinking that does not rely on being able to see or visualise things to understand concepts

Logical thinking

They are able to develop strategies to solve problems, identify a range of possible solutions to problems, develop hypotheses (predictions and explanations) and systematically test solutions

Idealistic thinking

The ability to engage in abstract thought, hypothetical reasoning, and a heightened sense of morality and ideals.

Strengths of Piaget's theory

Big influence on the study of cognitive development. Spurred on research in this area. Supported by research from others. Practical applications have been seen in education.

Limitations of Piaget's theory

Underestimated cognitive abilities. Testing methods cannot see true capacity due to reliance on language + lack of focus from kids. Small, unreliable sample (his kids were his sample)

McGarrigle and Donaldson: The “Naughty teddy study”

To rest if children understand conversation and centration earlier than Piaget suggested. 80 children (4-6 years) were shown 2 rows of counters and asked if there was the same amount in each row. Then, “Naughty teddy” messed up one row of counters. 62% answered correctly

4 types of parenting styles

Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive, and Uninvolved/Negligent

Authoritarian Parenting

"You’ll do what I say because I said so. No arguments"

Authoritative Parenting

"I trust you to make your own decision. Just let me know if you need help"

Permissive Parenting

"Whatever you want, sweetie. You don’t have to follow rules if you don’t feel like it."

Uninvolved/Negligent Parenting

"I don’t really care what you do. I’ve got my own problems"

Children of authoritarian parents tend to be

Less friendly, Distrustful, Withdrawn, Higher aggression, Less empathy, May be likely to cheat + not accept blame

Children of permissive parents tend to be

Immature, Dependent, Unhappy

Children of uninvolved parents tend to be

Less likely to form secure attachments, Impulsive, Moody, Low self-esteem, Aggressive, Delinquent

Diana Baumrind (1966)

Longitudinal Study on Parenting Styles, identified authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles, children raised by authoritative parents were found to be more socially competent, self-reliant, emotionally well-regulated, high in self-esteem. Authoritative style promoted the most positive developmental outcomes.

Steinberg et al. (1992)

Parenting and Academic Performance. Adolescents from authoritative households showed Higher grades and school engagement, Better emotional adjustment, More intrinsic motivation to learn. Authoritative parenting is associated with academic success.

Lamborn et al. (1991)

Parenting Styles and Adolescent. Adolescents with uninvolved parents exhibited the worst developmental outcomes, including low academic achievement, higher rates of delinquency and substance abuse, poor self- concept and low self-control.

Identity vs. Role Confusion Stage

Teens explore their beliefs, values, and future direction. Success means having a clear sense of self, confidence, and stability. Struggling leads to confusion about who they are, what they believe, and their future choices

How Not Resolving This Stage Affects Future Life:

Trouble with relationships, Career problems, Self-doubt, Lack of purpose, Putting off adult responsibilities, Inconsistent behavior seeks out a "negative identity," It's hard to set long-term goals or trust others in relationships.

How social factors influence this stage

Friends, Culture, Family, Social Media