Psychology Chapter on Empiricism and Behaviorism

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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of tabula rasa suggest regarding the mind?

The mind is inherited from parents.

The mind is shaped by genetics alone.

The mind is fully developed at birth.

The mind begins as a blank slate. (correct)

Which of the following best represents the principle of empiricism?

Cognitive development is separate from learning.

Behavior is mostly influenced by biological factors.

All knowledge comes from sensory experience. (correct)

Human traits are innate and not changeable.

What is a key belief of behaviorists?

All actions stem from innate instincts.

Behaviors are entirely genetic.

Thinking and reasoning are central to learning.

Behaviors are influenced by interactions with the environment. (correct)

According to the continuity view of development, what is true?

Development is gradual and progressive. Signup and view all the answers

What does discontinuity in human development imply?

Development consists of abrupt changes or stages. Signup and view all the answers

What does the stability aspect of human development suggest?

Personality traits remain constant from infancy onward. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of human development, what do change theorists argue?

Personalities are shaped by environmental interactions. Signup and view all the answers

How do growth and development differ according to psychological principles?

Growth focuses on physical changes, while development includes emotional and social changes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the rate of development vary between?

Boys and girls Signup and view all the answers

How does development typically proceed?

From general to specific Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is typically correlated with above-average mental development?

Special aptitudes Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main influences on development according to the content?

Heredity and environment Signup and view all the answers

What can be predicted through observation and psychological tests?

Physiological and psychological potentialities Signup and view all the answers

What type of changes does development bring about?

Both structural and functional changes Signup and view all the answers

What describes the traditional approach to human development?

Extensive change from birth to adolescence and little change in adulthood Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding development in one area?

It is highly related to development in other areas Signup and view all the answers

What are teratogens, and how do they affect pregnancy?

Environmental factors that can lead to birth defects Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does dramatic growth and change occur from newborn to toddler?

Infancy and toddlerhood Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern during the prenatal stage of development?

Health of the mother Signup and view all the answers

What developmental change occurs in a child's temperament during infancy?

Infants develop individual temperaments and approaches to play Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is noted in preschoolers regarding their understanding of concepts?

They often have interesting conceptions of size, time, and space Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of caregivers during infancy and toddlerhood?

They transform into guides and safety inspectors for mobile toddlers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cultural issue faced during early childhood?

Decisions on breast-feeding versus formula-feeding Signup and view all the answers

What age range is typically associated with early childhood or preschool years?

2 to 5 or 6 years Signup and view all the answers

What does physical development primarily encompass?

Growth and changes in the body and brain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of cognitive development?

Memory and reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What key process is involved in psychosocial development?

Social relationships and emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which change occurs during the physical development stage?

Increased coordination in sports Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive ability develops during adolescence?

Logical thinking about abstract concepts Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contribute to healthy physical development?

Nutrition and exercise Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive development NOT include?

Emotional maturity Signup and view all the answers

Why does brain development continue into adulthood?

It enables better coordination between emotions and planning Signup and view all the answers

What is a key developmental change that occurs during middle childhood?

Increased independence in social relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of development is NOT typically associated with adolescence?

Refinement of motor skills Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive ability begins to develop during adolescence?

Ability to think abstractly Signup and view all the answers

What role do peer groups play during adolescence?

They contribute to feelings of invincibility. Signup and view all the answers

During which age range does middle childhood occur?

6-11 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk during early adulthood?

Engaging in substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

How does school participation impact children during middle childhood?

By promoting comparisons of abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typical behavior in adolescence?

Becoming more dependent on parents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Development Theories

John Locke's concept of tabula rasa posits that the mind is a blank slate at birth, forming knowledge through experiences.
Empiricists claim behaviors and characteristics are primarily learned rather than innate.
Behaviorism, linked to empiricism, emphasizes that actions result from conditioning and learning.
John B. Watson advocated behaviorism, asserting that human actions can be shaped through environmental stimuli.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity in Development

The continuity view suggests that development occurs gradually over time, enhancing skills similarly to physical growth.
Discontinuity proposes that development involves distinct stages with abrupt changes in behavior, resulting from biological shifts.

Stability vs. Change in Personality

Stability theory asserts that personality traits from infancy persist throughout life.
Change theorists argue personality is shaped by familial interactions, schooling, and cultural influences.

Key Domains of Human Development

Physical Development: Encompasses growth and changes in the body and brain, including motor skills, coordination, and overall health.
Cognitive Development: Involves mental processes such as learning, reasoning, memory, and understanding throughout life.
Psychosocial Development: Pertains to emotions, personality, and social relationships, evolving alongside physical and cognitive changes.

Principles of Human Development

Development rates vary greatly among individuals; boys and girls may experience different growth patterns.
Development generally progresses from broad, general actions to specific skills.
Many developmental traits tend to correlate, indicating a holistic approach to growth.
Both hereditary factors and environmental influences shape growth and development.
Development is predictable; observations and tests can forecast physiological and psychological growth.
Child development in one sphere frequently influences other areas, such as health impacting social engagement.

Approaches to Human Development

Traditional Approach: Focuses on significant change from birth through adolescence with minimal changes during adulthood, emphasizing childhood development.
Prenatal stage development highlights the influence of genetics and environmental factors, such as maternal health and teratogens.
Infancy and Toddlerhood: Characterized by rapid physical and cognitive growth, with significant brain development and language acquisition.
Early Childhood: Covers the preschool years (ages 2-5), marked by language development, self-awareness, and physical exploration.
Middle Childhood: Ages 6-11 involve academic skill acquisition and social relationship development beyond familial connections.
Adolescence: Features physical growth spurts, sexual maturation, and shifts in cognitive abilities, including identity exploration and peer influence.
Early Adulthood: Encompasses late teens to thirties, noted for achieving physical peak but susceptibility to risky behaviors.

These concise yet detailed notes encapsulate significant aspects of human growth and development, providing a solid study guide for understanding various stages, theories, and dimensions involved.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of empiricism, including the notion of tabula rasa by John Locke, and the principles of behaviorism. You will examine how experiences shape knowledge and behavior, as well as the theories of well-known thinkers in psychology. Test your understanding of these foundational ideas in psychology.