Cognitive Development and Schemas

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a schema in cognitive development?

  • To simplify complex thoughts into singular ideas
  • To correct previous misconceptions
  • To remove emotional responses from learning
  • To provide a structure for understanding experiences (correct)

How do schemas change as a child becomes more experienced?

  • They remain static throughout childhood
  • They are discarded completely
  • They become more complex and interconnected (correct)
  • They become simpler and more limited

What does the process of assimilation involve?

  • Creating a new schema for a new experience
  • Classifying a new object based on established knowledge (correct)
  • Adjusting an existing schema to fit new information
  • Ignoring prior knowledge in favor of new experiences

What was Piaget's perspective on schemas in relation to age?

<p>Schemas differ significantly between infants and older children (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best exemplifies accommodation in schema development?

<p>A child learns that not all four-legged animals are cows after seeing a horse (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about a child's schema of a doctor after their first visit?

<p>It is likely to be based solely on their experience with needles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of experiences in shaping schemas?

<p>They serve as the foundation upon which schemas are built (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does equilibration refer to in Piaget's theory?

<p>The balance between assimilation and accommodation in schemas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Schemas

  • Schemas act as cognitive building blocks, structuring understanding and interpretation of experiences.
  • They can relate to objects, people, events, social situations, and self-identity.
  • Piaget emphasized schemas as crucial in cognitive development, evolving as children experience the world.
  • A child's schema becomes more complex with each experience, allowing them to adapt and modify existing schemas.
  • The schema of an infant differs significantly from that of a 10-year-old due to various experiences and cognitive growth.
  • Children build connections between schemas over time, shaping their worldview.

Examples of Schemas

  • First visits to the doctor often associate healthcare with getting immunizations, leading to fear due to the pain of needles.
  • A child's birthday experience involves learning about gifts, requiring guidance while opening presents for the first time.
  • Repeated exposure to birthday parties helps children understand the social norm of bringing gifts.
  • Initial teachings about animals, like a cow saying "moo," may lead to confusion when encountering similar animals, illustrating the development of animal-related schemas.
  • Children refine their understanding by organizing schemas to differentiate between animals, such as cows and horses.

The Process of Adaptation

  • Cognitive development occurs through adaptation, wherein children learn by adjusting to their environment.
  • Piaget described adaptation through three processes: assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration.

Assimilation

  • Assimilation involves applying an existing schema to a new experience, organizing new information within established categories.
  • An example is a child confusing a horse for a cow based on pre-existing characteristics (furry, four legs, farm-dwelling).

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