Early Adulthood Flashcards Section 1

Questions and Answers

What is post-formal thought?

Cognitive development beyond Piaget's formal operational stage, after adolescence, showing change from abstract to reality.

What does epistemic cognition refer to?

Reflections on how we arrived at facts, beliefs, and ideas, with the realization that there may not be absolute truth.

What is dualistic thinking?

The belief that everything is either right or wrong, dividing information, values, and authority into clear categories.

What is pragmatic thought?

A structural advance where logic becomes a tool for solving real-world problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a maximizer?

A person who feels compelled to consider all options before making a decision. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a satisficer?

Someone who tends to be satisfied with their decisions without wanting to revisit the issue again. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes dogmatism?

Identity foreclosure, a need for certainty, low tolerance for ambiguity, and reliance on authority figures for truth. Signup and view all the answers

What is skepticism?

The opposite of dogmatism, characterized by doubt and the belief that nothing is known for sure. Signup and view all the answers

What is relativistic thinking?

Viewing knowledge as context-dependent, accepting multiple truths and recognizing that opposing views can be simultaneously valid. Signup and view all the answers

What does committed relativism entail?

Formulating a perspective that synthesizes contradictions rather than choosing between opposing views. Signup and view all the answers

What is cognitive-affective complexity?

Awareness of positive and negative feelings and the ability to coordinate them into a complex structure. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the stages of Perry's theory of epistemic cognition.

First, dualistic thinking; then, relativistic thinking; finally, committed relativism. Signup and view all the answers

What factors promote committed relativism?

Education. Signup and view all the answers

What influences vocational choice?

Personality, family influences, teacher expectations, gender stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

List the six personality types that affect vocational choice.

Investigative, social, realistic, artistic, conventional, enterprising. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps of change in occupational choice?

Fantasy period, tentative period, realistic period. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the fantasy period?

Children gain insight into career options through fantasy. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the tentative period?

Adolescents think about careers in terms of interests, abilities, and values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the realistic period in occupational choice?

Young people start to narrow options and focus on a general vocational category. Signup and view all the answers

What does Labouvie-Vief's theory of postformal cognitive development claim?

Movement from hypothetical to pragmatic thought and increased cognitive-affective complexity. Signup and view all the answers

How does creativity in adulthood differ from childhood creativity?

Adulthood creativity is more original and directed toward social needs. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence changes in creativity?

Expertise, age, and life circumstances such as child-rearing. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects of the college experience provide psychological benefits to young adults?

Improved problem reasoning, self-reflection, moral reasoning, exposure to diverse viewpoints, and enhanced self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What vocational preparation strategy could help young adults not going to college in the U.S.?

The work-study apprenticeship system in Germany. Signup and view all the answers

How do men in female-dominated careers describe their acceptance from colleagues?

Colleagues regard these men highly. Signup and view all the answers

How do men in female-dominated careers describe their acceptance from non-colleagues?

Non-colleagues question their masculinity and abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cognitive Development

Post-formal thought: Represents cognitive development beyond Piaget’s formal operational stage; involves a shift from abstract reasoning to practical, real-world considerations.
Epistemic cognition: Involves thoughts on how we come to know facts and beliefs; acknowledges the absence of absolute truths and moves away from dualistic thinking.
Dualistic thinking: Characterizes a belief system where situations and knowledge are viewed strictly as right or wrong, good or bad.

Thought Processes

Pragmatic thought: Marks a developmental advancement where logic is applied to solve real-world problems effectively.
Cognitive-affective complexity: The ability to recognize and integrate both positive and negative emotions into complex thought structures.

Decision Making Styles

Maximizer: Individuals who rigorously evaluate all options before making decisions, often leading to regret about unchosen paths.
Satisficer: Those who are content with their decisions and avoid revisiting the choice, focusing on immediate satisfaction.

Dogmatism and Skepticism

Dogmatism: Involves identity foreclosure, a need for certainty, discomfort with ambiguity, and reliance on authority for truth.
Skepticism: The polar opposite of dogmatism; entails an ongoing doubt about truths, with a tendency to question and refute established beliefs.

Understanding Knowledge

Relativistic thinking: Sees knowledge as contextual, recognizing multiple perspectives instead of absolute truths; aware of the imperfections in one's viewpoint.
Committed relativism: Involves creating synthesis from opposing viewpoints rather than merely choosing one side, leading to a more inclusive understanding.

Vocational Choice Influences

Factors influencing vocational choices: Personality traits, family socioeconomic status, teacher support, and gender stereotypes affect career paths.
Vocational personality types: Includes Investigative, Social, Realistic, Artistic, Conventional, and Enterprising types that guide career preferences.

Stages of Occupational Choice

Fantasy period: Young children explore career options through imagination.
Tentative period: Between ages 11-16, adolescents assess careers based on interests and abilities.
Realistic period: Focuses on narrowing options while synthesizing personal characteristics with economic realities.

Creativity in Adulthood

Mature creativity: Distinguishes adult creativity from childhood; emphasizes originality and addressing social concerns through innovative thinking.
Influences on creativity: Expertise, age-related changes, and life circumstances (e.g., parenting) can significantly affect creative output.

Psychological Benefits of College

Enhances problem-solving and moral reasoning capabilities.
Fosters better understanding of personal values and self-awareness.
Encourages reflection on thinking processes and promotes self-esteem.

Vocational Preparation Alternatives

Apprenticeship system: Combines part-time vocational courses with on-the-job training, facilitating a smoother transition for non-college bound individuals.

Acceptance in Female-Dominated Careers

Men in female-dominated professions: Typically receive high regard from colleagues but may face skepticism regarding their masculinity and professional abilities from non-colleagues.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts related to cognitive development during early adulthood. Explore terms like post-formal thought and epistemic cognition to deepen your understanding of intellectual growth beyond adolescence. Perfect for students studying psychology or developmental theories.