Developmental Psychology: Sensorimotor & Preoperational Stages

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Questions and Answers

What cognitive ability is primarily demonstrated during the Sensorimotor Stage, specifically in the Tertiary Circular Reactions sub-stage?

Logical reasoning

Symbolic thought

Problem-solving

Experimentation with new actions (correct)

Which of the following best describes egocentrism in the Preoperational Stage?

Ability to conserve volume and mass

Difficulty in considering perspectives other than one's own (correct)

Understanding others' feelings

Understanding the concept of object permanence

At what stage do children demonstrate the ability to logically arrange objects by size or another attribute?

Sensorimotor Stage

Formal Operational Stage

Preoperational Stage

Concrete Operational Stage (correct)

What feature of the Formal Operational Stage distinguishes adolescents from younger children?

Developing logical reasoning and abstract thought Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is indicative of the Concrete Operational Stage?

Decentration Signup and view all the answers

What is a key developmental task of the Oral Stage according to Freud's theory?

Feeding and weaning Signup and view all the answers

Which ability is NOT typically associated with the Preoperational Stage?

Reversibility Signup and view all the answers

What represents a significant cognitive leap that occurs during the transition to the Formal Operational Stage?

Development of abstract thought Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is least likely to influence early menarche in girls?

Late-night screen time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional response boys generally have towards spermarche?

Anxious and embarrassed Signup and view all the answers

What does late maturation generally lead to in girls?

Positive outcomes Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's theory, what defines Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order?

Following laws for social harmony Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is typical of individuals in the Identity Moratorium status?

High levels of exploration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is most commonly associated with boys who mature early?

Substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'myelination' refer to in cognitive development?

Formation of connections in the brain Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's Level 2: Conventional Morality, which of the following is a primary motivator for moral decision-making?

Gaining approval from peers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes 'Identity Foreclosure'?

Adoption of roles without personal exploration Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical characteristic of individuals in the Identity Diffusion status?

Confusion about personal values Signup and view all the answers

How does the development of metacognitive skills impact learning?

Enhances the ability to modify strategies for success Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical mood state during puberty attributed to hormonal changes?

Extraordinarily moody Signup and view all the answers

What defining factor influences the likelihood of early maturation in both boys and girls?

Chronic emotional stress Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason girls may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and drinking?

Seeking approval from older boys Signup and view all the answers

Which long-term consequence is associated with spanking a child?

Higher child aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to child abuse and neglect?

Abuser’s lack of parenting skills Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of development is NOT associated with the ages 6-12 according to middle childhood theories?

Decline in sensory processing capabilities Signup and view all the answers

In Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence, which type represents problem-solving skills required in specific contexts?

Practical intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional intelligence component is directly related to understanding one's own emotions?

Intrapersonal intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What type of aggression is considered goal-oriented and used to enhance self-esteem?

Instrumental aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of moral reasoning indicates that children believe rules cannot be changed?

Moral Realism Stage Signup and view all the answers

What physical change is typically the first to occur during puberty?

Growth in feet and hands Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone plays a significant role in female pubertal development?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive process in Dodge's social information processing theory involves how a child interprets a social situation?

Interpretation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an outcome of PTSD in children?

Increased social interaction Signup and view all the answers

How does parental support influence identity achievement in adolescents?

Parents should encourage open discussion and recognize autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What does proactive aggression primarily aim to achieve?

Goal attainment Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely result of a strong parent-child attachment during adolescence?

Strong relationships with peers. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is least likely to affect the timing of pubertal events?

Peer relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of cooperative play in early childhood?

Working together to achieve a common goal Signup and view all the answers

In terms of emotional autonomy, what is expected of adolescents?

Emotionally independent from familial influence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major influence of peers on adolescent behavior?

Peers act as sources of information and social comparison. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most significant in increasing the risk of alcohol use among adolescents?

Family history of substance abuse. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of a quality friendship is associated with higher self-esteem in adolescents?

Unconditional acceptance and support. Signup and view all the answers

During adolescence, how do conflicts in parental and adolescent decision-making typically present themselves?

Parents see issues strictly in binary terms. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a negative consequence of early sexual activity in adolescents?

Loss of self-esteem and moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the concept of behavioral autonomy in adolescents?

Ability to act independently and make personal choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of peer reinforcement in adolescents' social development?

It shapes attitudes and behavior through positive reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive ability begins to develop in infants between 18-24 months that allows them to solve problems and understand object permanence?

Mental representation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of attachment is characterized by a lack of clear strategy and appears confused?

Insecure-disorganized attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of infant-directed speech in language development?

Facilitates grammar development Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT listed as influencing the attachment process in caregivers?

Level of physical activity Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children typically begin to show self-recognition in a mirror?

21 months Signup and view all the answers

What attachment style is characterized by clinginess and anxiety about the caregiver's availability?

Insecure-ambivalent attachment Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the clear-cut attachment stage, occurring between 6 to 24 months?

Proximity seeking behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the brain is primarily responsible for the transfer of information to long-term memory?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting factor is associated with the formation of secure attachment in children?

Parent’s educational level Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of lateralization in the brain refer to?

Division of labor between the left and right hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an impact of the 'home literacy environment' on language development?

Enhanced vocabulary development Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emotional benefit of high exchange and synchronous behaviors between parents and infants?

Lower stress levels Signup and view all the answers

What practice in caregiving is associated with secure attachment relationships?

Routine caregiving Signup and view all the answers

Which temperament trait is suggested to be more influenced by genes as opposed to parenting?

Activity level Signup and view all the answers

What personality traits may develop due to fixation in the anal stage of development?

Orderliness and messiness Signup and view all the answers

Which systems indirectly influence development according to ecological systems theory?

Exosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects brain plasticity in infants?

Consistent nurturing Signup and view all the answers

What critical period for prenatal development is indicated as being particularly sensitive to teratogenic effects?

3-15 weeks Signup and view all the answers

In which cognitive development stage do infants begin to understand object permanence?

Secondary circular reactions stage Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of infant development is characterized by adaptations to familiar stimuli?

Habituation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the genital stage of development?

Establishing intimate relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of physical development involves the ability to judge distances between objects?

Depth perception Signup and view all the answers

What type of event is characterized by only a few members of society experiencing it?

Off-time event Signup and view all the answers

What finding related to sensory development indicates the improvement of visual tracking by 6 to 10 weeks?

Newborns can track objects skillfully. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential factor for establishing healthy relationships during the genital stage?

Resolution of earlier stages Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process of eliminating unused synapses in brain development?

Pruning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is more critical in the physical development of infants?

Skull proportions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key tasks of the latency stage of development?

Developing skills and friendships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a stage of Flavell's perspective on Theory of Mind development?

Awareness of personal emotions only Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by high responsiveness but low demands?

Permissive Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains a child's ability to understand that others may have different beliefs from reality?

Fast belief principle Signup and view all the answers

In Vygotsky's Socio-Cultural Theory, what is emphasized as crucial for cognitive development?

Social factors and mentorship Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of children aged 5-7 according to the development of Theory of Mind?

Understanding the reciprocal nature of thought Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options does not describe aspects of metacognition?

Following task demands sequentially Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the Cross-race effect?

Individuals remember faces of people from their own race better. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Premack principle function in behavioral reinforcement?

High-frequency activities serve as reinforcement for lower-frequency activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes emotional self-control problems?

Difficulty managing emotions often linked to temperament Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is primarily involved in gender schema theory?

Classifying behaviors and traits as masculine or feminine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not describe an outcome of authoritarian parenting style?

High self-esteem in children Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cognitive processes is not directly related to metamemory?

Learning through observation Signup and view all the answers

Children's understanding of moral emotions primarily involves which of the following?

Feeling guilt or shame after breaking rules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the grammar explosion in language development?

Children begin to use complex grammatical features in sentences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the uninvolved parenting style?

Marked indifference and lack of interest in a child's life Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years)

Infants learn about the world through senses and actions (looking, touching, sucking).
Reflexive Schemes (0-1 month): Inborn reflexes.
Primary Circular Reactions (1-4 months): Repeating pleasurable actions centered on their body (e.g., sucking thumb).
Secondary Circular Reactions (4-8 months): Repeating actions causing effects in the environment.
Coordination of Secondary Schemes (8-12 months): Combining actions for goals (means-end behavior).
Tertiary Circular Reactions (12-18 months): Experimenting with new actions to see results.
Mental Representation (18-24 months): Developing internal mental representations.

Preoperational Stage (2-7 years)

Children think symbolically and use language, but thinking is intuitive and egocentric.
Symbolic Functioning: Ability to use symbols (words, images, etc.) to represent objects.
Egocentrism: Difficulty seeing things from other perspectives.
Animism/ Centration: Believing inanimate objects have feelings.
Inability to Conserve: Failing to understand quantities remain the same despite changes in appearance.
Successful: Understand reversibility (transferring appearance back), identity

Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)

Children gain understanding of mental operations and logical thinking about concrete events.
Decentration: Considering multiple variables simultaneously.
Conservation: Understanding that quantity remains constant despite changes in appearance.
Classification: Grouping objects based on shared characteristics.
Seriation: Arranging objects in logical order (e.g., by size).

Formal Operational Stage (11 years and up)

Adolescents develop abstract, logical, and systematic thinking.
Abstract Thought: Thinking about hypothetical situations and concepts.
Logical Reasoning: Using deductive reasoning to draw conclusions.
Problem Solving: Developing strategies for complex problems.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development

Emphasizes the impact of social interactions on development.
Needs consistency, both needs and social development play a role.

Freud's Psychosexual Development

Focuses on how unconscious drives influence development.
Stages include oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
Fixation: Unresolved conflicts at a stage that can impact later personality.

Types of Developmental Changes

Normative Age-Graded Changes: Genetically determined changes (biological clock), age-related norms.
Normative History-Graded Changes: Events affecting members of a society during a specific period.
Non-Normative Changes: Unique events for certain people (e.g., inheritance).
Sensitive Periods: crucial points for development

Ecological Systems Theory

Explains how various environmental systems influence development.
Microsystem: Direct interactions (family, peers, school).
Mesosystem: Interconnections between microsystems.
Exosystem: External environments (media, extended family).
Macrosystem: Societal norms and values.
Chronosystem: Time-based changes (historical events, transitions).

Prenatal Development

Critical period (3-15 weeks): High risk
Teratogens: Harmful agents (e.g., drugs, alcohol).
Diet: Folic acid is crucial.
Males: Higher miscarriage rates & greater risk for prenatal issues.
Females: More sensitive to external factors.

Infant Brain Development

Synaptogenesis: Synapse creation.
Pruning: Removal of unused synapses.
Plasticity: Brain's adaptability is influenced by factors like stress and diet.

Physical Development of Infancy

Rapid body growth.
Importance of brain growth.
Motor development.
Sensory development includes vision (acuity improves), hearing (better than visual), smelling, tasting, touch & motion, and perceptual development (habituation and dishabituation).
Depth Perception: Perceiving 3D and distance (kinetic, binocular, and monocular cues).
Intermodal Perception: Integrating information from multiple senses.

Cognitive Development (Infant)

Stages: Reflexive activity, primary & secondary circular reactions, coordination of schemes, tertiary circular reactions, beginning of mental representation.
Object Permanence is established by 24 months.

Language Development

Infant-Directed Speech: Simplified language used by adults for infants.
Home Literacy Environment: Very important.

Attachment

Security base.
Mutual development; taking practice to form.
Mother Bond: Routine caregiving, Oxytocin release influencing empathy and relaxation.
Father Bond: Primarily focused on play and interaction.
Attachment Behaviors: Stranger anxiety, separation anxiety, social referencing.
Attachment Styles (Ainsworth): Secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-ambivalent, and insecure-disorganized.

Factors influencing Attachment Quality (Caregiver Perspective)

Emotional availability
Contingent responsiveness to signals
Marital status
Education
Socioeconomic status
Age
Mental health of the caregiver

Temperament and Personality

Temperament: Innate behavioral styles (e.g., activity level, mood).
Personality: Stable and enduring patterns of behavior & thoughts.
Niche-Picking: Selecting environments that align with temperament.

Self-Concept Development

Subjective Self: Perceptions of own identity (appears between 8-12 months).
Objective Self: Understanding oneself as an object in the world, and recognition as a distinct being with a name and attributes that define the individual (occurs around 2 years).
Emotional Self: Identifying and expressing emotions (emerges gradually, develops in stages.)

Early Childhood (2-6 years)

Cognitive Changes: Preoperational stage (centration, egocentrism, animism). Increase in theory of mind.
Language Development: Fast mapping, grammar explosion, phonological awareness.

Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

Physical Development: Increased large and fine motor skills.
Cognitive Development: Concrete operational stage (eg conservation); selective attention, increased processing speed.
Cognitive Theory of Mind
Intelligence: Sternberg's triarchic theory and Gardner's multiple intelligences.
Emotional Development: Emotional intelligence, empathy.
Social Development: Peer relationships, types of aggression.

Adolescence (12-18 years)

Physical Development: Puberty (sexual maturation).
Brain Development: Cerebral cortex thickening, improved efficiency of neuronal pathways, increased size and speed.
Psychological Impact: Body image concerns, changes in mood (Hormonal fluctuation).
Cognitive Development: Reaching formal operational stage, increased metacognition, increased processing speed.
Identity Development: Marcia's identity statuses (diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, achievement).
Relationships: Peer relationships, romantic relationships, effects of peer pressure, family relationships.
Other Concerns: Alcohol/substance use, risk-taking behaviors, mental health.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and characteristics of Piaget's Sensorimotor and Preoperational stages in child development. This quiz covers essential behaviors and cognitive processes that shape how infants and young children interact with their environment. Test your understanding of these foundational theories in developmental psychology.