Developmental Theories

Question 1

Name the theory: children are born with 2 cognitive functions: organizational ability and adaptive ability

Answer 1

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Question 2

What is assimilation?

Answer 2

experiences are interpreted and acted upon within the framework of an existing cognitive schema (all things that can fit in your mouth are nutritious)

Question 3

What is accommodation?

Answer 3

schemas are altered to fit disconfirming experiences that cause disequilibrium between cognitive understanding and external reality (a thumb in the mouth isn’t food)

Question 4

What are the 4 major stages of Piaget’s theory?

Answer 4

1. 0-2 yo: sensorimotor: permanence and rudimentary thought
2. 2-7 yo: preoperational: semitoic functioning (symbols)
3. 7-12 yo: concrete operational: using logic
4. 12+: formal operational: comprehension of abstract content, analysis, deduction

Question 5

Name the theory: behavior is motivated and influenced by the unconscious brain, and psychic energy is channeled through multiple parts of personality

Answer 5

Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development

Question 6

What is id?

Answer 6

original reservoir for all psychic energy

-expresses drives and impulses through need

Question 7

What is ego?

Answer 7

id’s intermediary with the external world.

-operates on reality principle and energizes learning and logic

Question 8

What is superego?

Answer 8

conscience

-assures that the ego’s actions are socially and morally correct

Question 9

What are the 5 stages of Freud’s theory?

Answer 9

1. oral: birth-1yo: energy concentrated at mouth, lips, tongue
2. anal: 1-3 yo: energy invested in anal sphinc and bladder
3. phallic: 3-6 yo: aware of male-female diffs, develop sexual longing for parent or oppo sex with jealousy toward same sex
4. latency: 6-puberty: sexual strivings suppressed by superego
5. genital: pub-adult: physiologic maturation, ultimate goal is reproduction

Question 10

Name the theory: Society drives expression and development of visible, rational, and adaptive aspects of personality

Answer 10

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Question 11

How are the stages of Erikson’s theory defined?

Answer 11

As major psychosocial conflict and its possible resolution in active, behavioral terms

Question 12

What are the 8 stages of Erikson’s theory?

Answer 12

1. basic trust vs mistrust 0-1
2. autonomy vs shame and doubt 1-3
3. initiative vs guilt 3-6
4. industry vs. inferiority 6-12
5. identity vs role confusion 12-20
6. intimacy vs. isolation 20-40
7. generativity vs stagnation 40- 65
8. ego integrity vs despair 65-death

Question 13

Name the theory: development of morality follows an orderly sequence

Answer 13

Kohlberg’s Theory of Mental Development

Question 14

What are the 3 stages of Kohlberg’s theory?

Answer 14

1. preconventional: 0-2: based on consequence, conformity to rules
2. conventional: 2-12: based on good and right roles and values, respect for authority
3. postconventional: 12+: social contract, ethical, action based on conscience