Overview
This lecture involved cognitive tasks with children to assess their counting skills, perception of quantity, object permanence, and understanding of others' knowledge.
Counting and Quantities
- Children were asked to count blue pieces on the table, revealing initial errors and the importance of recounting for accuracy.
- Children demonstrated one-to-one correspondence by physically moving pieces as they counted.
- Counting accuracy improved when children grouped or lined up the objects.
Row Comparison Tasks (Coin Rows)
- Children compared two rows of coins to decide which had more, or if both were the same.
- When rows were spread apart, some children thought the spread-out row had more coins.
- Other children recognized that spreading coins apart did not change the actual quantity.
Length Comparison Tasks (Drumsticks)
- Children compared the lengths of drumsticks to determine which was longer or if both were equal.
- When drumsticks were aligned, children said they were the same length.
- When one was offset, some children thought its position made it longer, but others relied on physical endpoints.
Conservation of Liquid
- Children observed equal amounts of water in two identical glasses.
- After pouring one glass into a taller or shorter container, children were asked which had more.
- Some children said the taller glass had more water; others recognized the quantity stayed the same despite container shape.
Object Permanence and Belief Task (Hidden Object/Egocentrism)
- Children observed a green object hidden under a cup.
- When another character (Emily) was not present for the move, children were asked what Emily would think.
- Some children understood Emily would not know the object's new location due to her absence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- One-to-one correspondence — The concept that each object being counted must correspond to only one number and vice versa.
- Conservation — Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in container shape or arrangement.
- Egocentrism — The cognitive inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and that of others.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice counting using physical objects and grouping strategies.
- Review the concept of conservation with different materials (water, coins, sticks).
- Reflect on perspective-taking tasks and discuss scenarios where people may or may not know information based on their presence.