Lecture Notes on Human Development Theories

Introduction

• Dr. Pam emphasizes the importance of understanding human development theories for tests in various classes.
• Many struggle with these concepts, even if they took psychology in high school.

Jean Piaget: Cognitive Development

• Piaget is known for his theory of cognitive development in children.
• Cognitive development stages: SPCF
  • Sensory Motor Stage (Birth to 2 years)
    • Learning through senses and motor actions.
    • Key concept: Object Permanence (understanding that objects exist even when not seen).
  • Pre-operational Stage (2 to 7 years)
    • Development of language and symbolic thinking.
    • Egocentrism: Difficulty in seeing things from another's perspective.
    • Magical thinking (belief in things like tooth fairy).
  • Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)
    • Logical thinking about concrete events.
    • Concept of Conservation: Understanding that quantity doesn't change despite changes in shape or appearance.
  • Formal Operational Stage (12 and up)
    • Abstract and deductive reasoning.
    • Ability to think about hypothetical situations.

Key Concepts

• Schema: Mental and physical actions in understanding and knowin g.
• Assimilation: Incorporating new information into existing schemas.
• Accommodation: Adjusting schemas for new information.
• Equilibration: Process of balancing assimilation and accommodation.
• Cognitive Dissonance: Conflict between beliefs and new information, more relevant in adults.

Piaget's Influence and History

• Piaget was influenced by the Stanford-Binet intelligence test.
• Piaget was associated with cognitive psychology and was influenced by Freudian theory.

Application and Exam Tips

• Understand the cognitive development stages and their characteristics.
• Be aware of how questions might be structured in tests (e.g., identifying stages or terms related to Piaget).
• Use Piaget’s concepts to analyze developmental scenarios.

Miscellaneous

• Piaget’s work laid the foundation for understanding child development despite not focusing heavily on morality, which was expanded upon by Kohlberg.
• Piaget’s theories provide the basis for understanding how cognitions grow and change over time.

Conclusion

• Understanding Piaget's theory is critical for passing tests related to human development.
• The lecture provided a foundation for Piaget's cognitive development stages and key terms.