Developmental Psychology: Lifespan Theories
4. Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
Theories of Cognitive Development
Jean Piaget conceptualized cognitive development as a discontinuous process of stage-like structural changes driven by assimilation and accommodation. In contrast, Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory emphasized that cognitive development is inherently a socially mediated process, deeply influenced by cultural context and language.
Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
| Stage | Approximate Age | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor | 0-2 years | Object permanence, stranger anxiety |
| Preoperational | 2-7 years | Pretend play, egocentrism, lacks conservation |
| Concrete Operational | 7-11 years | Conservation, logical thought regarding concrete events |
| Formal Operational | 12+ years | Abstract logic, potential for mature moral reasoning |
Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
The ZPD represents the distance between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance from a skilled partner (scaffolding).
According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the primary psychosocial crisis experienced during adolescence?
During adolescence (ages 12-18), individuals explore independence and develop a sense of self, leading to the crisis of Identity vs. Role Confusion.
Correct answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion
Attachment Theory
Initiated by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, attachment theory posits that early relationships with caregivers form internal working models that guide future social interactions. Ainsworth's 'Strange Situation' paradigm empirically categorized these attachment patterns.
Ainsworth's Attachment Styles
What is the term for environmental agents, such as viruses and drugs, that can cause developmental malformations in an embryo or fetus?
Teratogens are substances that can cross the placental barrier and disrupt normal prenatal development.
Correct answer: Teratogen