Lecture Notes: Human Development - Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

Introduction

• Focus on human development theories.
• Emphasis on understanding these theories for various tests.
• Previous learning in high school or college psychology is beneficial.
• Theories are foundational and essential.

Overview of Piaget

• Jean Piaget: cognitive development theorist.
• Key concept: Schema
  • Mental framework for understanding and knowing.
• Stages of Cognitive Development: S P C F
  • Sensorimotor
  • Pre-operational
  • Concrete Operational
  • Formal Operational

Stages of Cognitive Development

Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years)

• Children learn through senses and motor actions.
• Key Development: Object Permanence
  • Realizing objects exist even when not seen.
• Language and actions like sucking, grasping as learning tools.

Pre-operational Stage (2 to 7 years)

• Development of symbolic thinking and language.
• Key Concepts:
  • Egocentrism: Difficulty in seeing perspectives other than their own.
  • Magical Thinking: Belief in fantastical elements (e.g., Tooth Fairy).

Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years)

• Logical thinking about concrete events.
• Key Concept: Conservation
  • Understanding quantity remains the same despite changes in shape/form.
• Literal interpretation of language.

Formal Operational Stage (12 years and up)

• Development of abstract and logical thinking.
• Ability to use deductive reasoning.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Schema: Framework for organizing and interpreting information.
• Assimilation: Integrating new info into existing schemas.
• Accommodation: Adjusting schemas for new information.
• Equilibration: Balance between assimilation and accommodation.

Application in Real Life

• Understanding developmental stages helps in interpreting children's behavior.
• Awareness of developmental stages aids in educational settings.

Historical Context

• Piaget influenced by Alfred Binet and intelligence testing.
• Connection to other psychological theories (e.g., Freud, Kohlberg).

Exam Tips

• Recognize keywords in test questions.
• Understand the specific developmental stages and tasks associated.
• Be cautious about test traps with overlapping terms.

Conclusion

• Piaget’s theory helps understand cognitive development in children.
• Emphasizes the systematic progression through stages.
• Application to educational practices and child development.
• Piaget's ideas provide a basis for further research and development in cognitive psychology.

Note: This summary is intended to encapsulate the key points from a lecture on Piaget's theory of cognitive development, aiding in study and review.