Unit 3 Topic 3.4 - Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan Flashcards
(16 cards)
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 yrs)
Infants learn through sense and actions; object permanece develops (understanding that objects continue to exist even when unseen)
Preoperational Stage (2-7 yrs)
Children use symbols, engage in pretend play, and struggle with logic (EGOCENTRISM, ANIMISM)
Egocentrism
The inability to see the world from another person’s perspective
Animism
Belief that inanimate objects have thoughts and feelings
Theory of Mind
The ability to understand that others have different thoughts, feelings and perspectives
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 yrs)
Logical thinking develops; children understand CONVERSATION and REVERSABILITY
Conversation
Understanding that quantity remains the same despite chnages in shape
Reversability
The ability to recognize that objects and numbers can be changed and returned to their original state
Formal Operational Stage (12+ yrs)
The ability to think abstractly and hypothetically
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Zone of Proximal Developement
The range of tasks a child can perform with help but NOT independently
Scaffolding
Temporary guidance provided to help a learner achieve a task
Sociocultural Context
The influence of social interactions and cultural background on cognitive development
Intelligence and Cognitive Aging
Crystallized Intelligence
Knowledge and verbal skills accumulated over time; remains STABLE or IMPROVES with age
Fluid Intelligence
The ability to reason and solve new problems; DECLINES with age
Cognitive Disorders
Disorders that impair cognitive function
Ex: Dementia
Dementia
A decline in cognitive ability, memory, and reasoning that interferes with daily life
