What This Document Is
This material represents lecture notes covering cognitive development during childhood, specifically lectures 16 and 17 from PSYC 241 at West Virginia University. It delves into the evolving mental processes children experience from early childhood through middle/late childhood, examining how they learn, think, and understand the world around them. The content explores prominent theories and key milestones in a child’s cognitive journey.
Why This Document Matters
These lecture materials are invaluable for students enrolled in introductory human development courses, particularly those preparing for exams or seeking a deeper understanding of childhood cognition. It’s most beneficial when used *in conjunction* with assigned readings and class discussions. Students who are visual learners or prefer a structured overview of complex theories will find this resource particularly helpful. It’s designed to reinforce core concepts presented in the course and provide a solid foundation for further study in developmental psychology.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This resource is a representation of lecture content and should not be considered a substitute for attending class or completing assigned coursework. It does not include any practice questions, case studies, or external research materials. The notes are a summary of key ideas and do not offer exhaustive detail on every nuance of each theory. It assumes a baseline understanding of psychological terminology introduced in earlier course modules.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development in childhood, including characteristics of preoperational and concrete operational thought.
* Exploration of alternative perspectives on cognitive development, including a social constructivist approach.
* Discussion of key cognitive processes like attention, memory, and language development.
* Introduction to concepts like the Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding.
* Examination of the development of crucial social-cognitive skills, such as theory of mind and understanding false beliefs.
* Insights into the progression of language skills, including syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
