Developing Through the Lifespan

Children make constant mental adaptations to new observation and experiences

Assimilation: Fitting new information into present system of knowledge(schema)

Accomodation: As a result of new information, change existing(schema) 

Understanding that something continues to exist even when it cannot be seen 

Only use own frame of reference 

Attribute life to objects 

Understanding that physical properties do not change when appearance changes 

Idea that a stimulus that has been changed can return to its original state 

Understanding how components in a series are related(if A>B and B>C, then A>C)

Abstract and systematic reasoning. Thinking about future possibilities

Cognitive development results from guidance 

Level at which a child can almost perform a task independently 

Teacher adjusts amount of support to child’s level of development 

Understanding of how other people think 

kids were shown a band aid box and were asked what was inside. They were surprised to find pencils in the box 

8 stages; changes in interpersonal thought, feeling, and behavior (the epigenetic principle) 

If needs are dependably met, infants develop a sense of basic trust 

Toddlers learn to exercise their will and do things for themselves, or they doubt their abilities 

Preschoolers learn to initiate tasks and carry out plans, or they feel guilty about their efforts to be independent 

Children learn the pleasure of applying themselves to tasks, of they feel inferior 

Soft contact is very important. The infant monkey preferred a soft cloth surrogate mother over a wire mother that provided food 

Ainsworth studied attachment using the Strange Situation experiment(1978), where infants were observed in a series of separations and reunions with their caregivers to asses their attachment styles 

Infants uses caregiver as a secure base for exploration 

A secure base is a caregiver who provides sense of security and support, allowing an infant to explore their environment while knowing they have a safe place to return to

Infants are clingy and distressed when caregiver leaves but is not easily comforted upon return 

Infants shows little distress when caregiver leaves and avoids them upon return

Temperament, Stressful home life and Parenting 

Size of vocabulary, Interpersonal interaction and Emotions 

Studied how infants attractiveness 

Warmth(Responsiveness)

Control(Demandingness)  

High warmth, high control(child-centered, not overly demanding)

Low warmth, high control(strict, obedience-focused)

High warmth, low control(few rules, indulgent)

Low warmth, low control(least effective, most detriment)

Authoritative: Higher grades, cooperative behavior 

Authoritarian: Lower grades, lower self esteem

Permissive: Easily frustrated, low self-control 

Uninvolved:Low self-esteem, emotionally detached 

Morality based on rewards and punishments 

Morality based on social norms and approval 

Morality based on abstract principles and ethics 

A moral dilemma used by Kohlberg to assess moral reasoning, where a man must decide whether to steal medicine to save his dying wife

The ability to resist an immediate reward for a larger reward later 

A study where children were given marshmallows and told they could have two if they waited before eating the first. It measured self-control and future success.

Developing a stable sense of self 

Forming close relationships 

Contributing to society or feeling purposeless

Reflecting on life with satisfaction or regret 

The theory suggest that when people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and experiences over seeking new knowledge and social connection