Developmental Psychology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of a longitudinal design in developmental studies?

It is free of the cohort effect.

Identify one major disadvantage of cross-sectional design.

It is affected by the cohort effect.

How does the sequential design benefit from both longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches?

It is free from the cohort effect and provides faster results than longitudinal design.

What is the focus of microgenetic study design?

It focuses on the moment of change and studies multiple variables for a detailed analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what habituation measures in developmental research.

Habituation measures the reduction in response to a repeated stimulus, reflecting capacities for perception and learning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of delayed imitation indicate in developmental studies?

It indicates the capacity to replicate behaviors after a delay, showcasing memory and recognition abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Why are neuroimaging techniques valuable in developmental research?

They detect active brain areas/functions during psychological tasks. Signup and view all the answers

How do computer simulations contribute to the understanding of cognitive development theories?

They test theories by predicting outcomes that should align with observed empirical data. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of contiguity in classical conditioning imply regarding stimulus pairing?

It implies that stimuli need to occur closely in time for an association to be formed. Signup and view all the answers

How did Watson's experiment with Little Albert demonstrate emotional responses?

It showed that emotional responses can be learned through classical conditioning by associating a neutral stimulus with a fear response. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'operant conditioning' according to Skinner?

Operant conditioning refers to learning through reinforcement and punishment, where consequences shape behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What role does observational learning play in Bandura's theory?

Observational learning suggests that individuals can learn new behaviors by observing others, especially in novel environments. Signup and view all the answers

Define sensory preconditioning and its significance in learning.

Sensory preconditioning occurs when two neutral stimuli are paired before any conditioning, suggesting that associations can be formed even without an unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

In Piaget's theory, what does genetic epistemology refer to?

Genetic epistemology refers to the study of how knowledge is acquired and understood by children through biological and cognitive development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the contingency principle state regarding stimulus pairing?

The contingency principle states that learning depends on the ability to predict when an unconditioned stimulus will occur based on the conditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of informative stimuli in conditioning.

Informative stimuli provide reliable predictions about the occurrence or absence of unconditioned stimuli, strengthening the conditioning. Signup and view all the answers

What is underextension in vocabulary development?

Underextension occurs when a learned word has a more restricted meaning than its actual use in the language, applying only to a specific object. Signup and view all the answers

How does overextension differ from underextension?

Overextension happens when a child uses a word to refer to a broader range of objects or actions than it actually represents. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do cultural influences affect first words in English and Chinese?

In English, children often label objects and describe their qualities, while in Chinese, children are more likely to focus on verbs, emphasizing actions and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children typically know about 200 words?

Children generally acquire around 200 words by the age of 2 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is telegraphic speech and when does it typically emerge?

Telegraphic speech, which consists of two-word sentences, emerges around 18 months of age, focusing on essential words while omitting less critical ones. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of 'Motherese' or caregiver speech?

Motherese is characterized by exaggerated vowel and consonant sounds, a high-pitched voice, and expressive facial gestures. Signup and view all the answers

What does the development of cooing and babbling indicate about an infant's communication skills?

Cooing and babbling demonstrate an infant's early attempts to produce sound and engage in verbal interactions, laying the foundation for later speech. Signup and view all the answers

What understanding does a 9-month-old typically have regarding sounds and communication?

By 9 months, infants typically understand the word 'no,' make various sounds like 'mamama,' and copy sounds and gestures from others. Signup and view all the answers

What types of sounds does a 1-year-old make that resemble speech?

They make sounds with changes in tone and exclamations like 'uh-oh!' Signup and view all the answers

At 18 months, what behavioral indicator shows a child's understanding of their surroundings?

They point to show others what they want. Signup and view all the answers

How does the innate theory of language development differ from environmental theories?

Innate theories emphasize biological predispositions, while environmental theories focus on external influences and learning processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chomsky's concept of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

The LAD is a neurological construct that suggests infants are naturally equipped to learn language. Signup and view all the answers

What role does social pragmatics play in language development?

It emphasizes the child's active engagement in learning language to communicate effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of classical conditioning related to a baby's reflexes.

A ball brushing a baby's cheek triggers sucking reflexes associated with the kitten present at the time. Signup and view all the answers

How does operant conditioning shape a baby's behavior?

It influences behavior through the consequences of their actions, reinforcing or discouraging them. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how emotional responses can be conditioned in infants.

Neutral stimuli can evoke emotional responses when consistently paired with stimuli that naturally elicit such emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and how does it relate to guided learning?

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. It highlights the importance of support from experts for optimal learning. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of scaffolding in education.

Scaffolding is a teaching method that provides learners with gradual support as they develop new skills, enabling them to eventually perform tasks independently. This approach facilitates the internalization of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What role does language play in cognitive development according to the sociocultural perspective?

Language encodes cultural knowledge and shapes thought processes, allowing individuals to internalize cultural ideas. This internalization is crucial for cognitive growth and learning potential. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the two primary types of psychological processes as identified in the content.

Elementary processes are basic functions like memory and attention, while higher processes develop through social and cultural internalization, needing formal education for advancement. Both are essential for cognitive development. Signup and view all the answers

How does role play contribute to a child's development?

Role play helps children learn social rules and fosters self-regulation through imaginative scenarios. It aids in the development of abstract thinking and problem-solving skills. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the reflex activity substage in Piaget's sensorimotor stage?

In the reflex activity substage, infants use automatic reflexes to interact with their environment without purposeful intention. Actions are instinctual and based solely on reflex. Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur in an infant's behavior during the primary circular reactions substage?

During primary circular reactions, infants begin to intentionally engage with their bodies and produce actions that they find satisfying, leading to repetitions of those actions. This marks the beginning of purposeful interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is dynamic assessment, as described by Feuerstein, and how is it different from traditional assessment methods?

Dynamic assessment evaluates an individual's learning capacity and adaptability through mediated interactions, focusing on potential rather than static knowledge. It contrasts with traditional assessments that measure fixed abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is Theory of Mind and why is it important for social development?

Theory of Mind is the ability to understand the thoughts and mental states of others, which is crucial for empathy, communication, and navigating social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the challenges children under four face in the False Belief experiment.

Children under four struggle with egocentrism, which makes it difficult for them to understand that others can hold different beliefs that differ from their own knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

How does fast mapping contribute to language development in early childhood?

Fast mapping allows children to rapidly learn new words by connecting them with known vocabulary, resulting in a significant vocabulary increase from age 2 onwards. Signup and view all the answers

What is overregularization in language learning and give an example?

Overregularization is when children apply grammatical rules incorrectly, such as saying 'goed' instead of 'went'. Signup and view all the answers

In individualistic cultures, how does the development of knowledge differ from that in collectivist cultures?

In individualistic cultures, children typically develop a diversity of beliefs before knowledge, while in collectivist cultures, they usually learn knowledge first and then understand diversity in beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) play in early childhood education?

Vygotsky's ZPD emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support to children as they learn new skills. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the NAEYC standards in early childhood education.

The NAEYC standards provide a framework for promoting positive relationships and comprehensive development across various domains in early childhood education. Signup and view all the answers

What are the phases involved in the development of Theory of Mind according to the content provided?

The phases include understanding intentions, thoughts and beliefs, knowledge, false beliefs, and experiencing versus expressing emotions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prenatal Development

Nutrition and maternal health impacts neuronal development and physical/mental development after birth
Teratogens are agents causing abnormalities during fetal development
Brain development involves structure formation in early stages and focus on weight/form
Oxygen deprivation and prematurity are common causes of neuronal loss

Infancy and Toddlerhood

Significant development in hearing, vision, and dependence
Milestones involve walking and talking
Development of autonomy (feeding, hygiene, routines)
Focus on motor skills and attention

Early Childhood (3-5 years)

Marked by preschool-age development
Language acquisition is a key aspect
Developing a sense of self and increasing independence
Learning about the physical world (e.g., space, time, size)

Middle Childhood (6-11 years)

Academic performance and friendships expand beyond family circles
Improvement of motor skills is common
Impacts of formal schooling are significant (particularly in Northern countries)

Adolescence

Significant physical changes (puberty)
Cognitive growth, including more abstract thinking
Feeling of invincibility, increasing risk of accidents/illness

Adulthood (18-65 years)

Exploration of identity
Peak physical ability and cognitive maturity around age 40
Development of relationships and economic independence become essential

Late Adulthood (65+)

Job and social changes
Maintaining cognitive function is crucial

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate regarding the relative contributions of genetics and environment
Epigenetics demonstrates interactions between genes and environment
Genetic expression can be influenced by environmental factors
Humans possess superior cognitive abilities compared to other animals

Continuity vs. Discontinuity

Continuity views development as a continuous process of gradual change.
Discontinuity views development as a series of distinct stages.

Activity vs. Passivity

Passivity describes reactions to stimuli in the environment.
Activity describes the ability to choose how to react.

Epistemological Beliefs

Cognitions about knowledge, learning, and knowing influence knowledge processing.

Normative vs. Idiographic

Normative emphasizes general rules and average development.
Idiographic stresses specific processes and individual differences.

Methods of Study for Developmental Deployments

Continuous questioning is a core scientific method
Theories inform research into development
Research relies on observations, falsifiability, and testing
Issues of attention are considered for designing experiments and studying humans.
There are challenges in re-learning previously learned information.

Observational Study

Observing behavior in a natural setting for better understanding
Researchers must avoid influencing the subjects.

Experimentation

Hypotheses about relationships are tested in controlled environments
Controlled measurements are essential
IV manipulation, DV observation and control of variables are critical

Case Study

In-depth investigation of a single individual
Observations, interviews, and testing
Results cannot be generalized to the wider population

Surveys

Large-scale data collection using standardized questionnaires
Useful for assessing attitudes, values, and behaviors
Considerations of biases are critical (e.g., central tendency, acquiescence, and social desirability).

Longitudinal Design

Data on same participants over extended periods
Useful for observing changes over time
Challenges include cost, participant drop-out, and cohort effects

Cross-Sectional Design

Data collected from diverse age groups simultaneously.
Provides a snapshot of development at a given time
Cohort effects might impact results

Sequential Design

Combines cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches
Provides insights into development across time and generations
Allows for comparison across different cohorts

Microgenetic Design

Focuses on the process of change
Detailed observation of a specific task to understand the mechanisms of change

Habituation

Reduction in response to repeated stimulus.
Indicates capacity for perception, learning & memory

Delayed Imitation

Presentation of models for subsequent imitation to understand observation capabilities.
Demonstrates the ability to observe and later reproduce actions.

Neuroimaging

Techniques like fMRI are used to understand brain activity during different tasks

Computer Simulation

Can be used to test theories of cognitive development
Predictions based on a model are compared withe observations found in nature.

Schelling Segregation Model

Individuals with a preference for their own group can lead to segregation even when preferences are not strong.

Ethics

Informed consent is fundamental
Explanation of risks & benefits is required
Confidentiality & data protection are paramount

Freud's Psychosexual Theory

Importance of childhood experiences
Stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital
Controversial approach due to its focus on sexual development;

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

Focus on social relationships and development across the lifespan
Stages include trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt, industry vs. inferiority, identity vs. role confusion, intimacy vs. isolation, generativity vs. stagnation, integrity vs. despair.

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

Emphasizes social interaction in cognitive development
Guided learning (scaffolding) where learners are supported
Zone of proximal development (ZPD) – tasks learner can complete with support/guidance.

Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

Stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational.
Focuses on mental processes and schemas (categories of knowledge)
Assimilation and accommodation are key processes involved in development

Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years)

Initially relying on reflexes, then progressing to intentional actions and basic understanding of objects.
Divided into subsatges.
Object permanence is a key milestone (understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen).

Preoperational Stage (2-7 years)

Symbolic thought emerges.
Egocentrism, centration, and conservation are key characteristics.
Symbolic thinking allows for pretend play but thinking is not logical yet.

Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)

Logical reasoning emerges.
Understanding of conservation (properties of objects remain the same despite changes)

Formal Operational Stage (11+)

Abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning.
Solving complex problems and scientific reasoning

Information Processing Theories

Emphasizes information processing, memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Attention and memory development are crucial aspects of cognitive development.
Working memory, processing speed, strategies, and brain growth all influence development

Cognitive Development Milestones

Summary of key developmental milestones across different age groups

First Two Years of Life Development

Detailed analysis of development during the first two years, including stages defined by Piaget.

Language Development

Explains how babies learn to communicate, including understanding and repeating words.
Stages of language development are illustrated.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in developmental psychology, including research designs like longitudinal, cross-sectional, and sequential. Explore important theories by psychologists such as Piaget, Bandura, and Skinner, and understand the significance of techniques like neuroimaging and computer simulations in the study of cognitive development.