broad issues in developmental psych
research methods used in developmental psych
watching
structured observation: children completing specific tasks under a controlled environment, allowing for detailed behaviour observation
- limitations -> child feels uncomfortable being watched/ structured setting
naturalistic observation: observing children in their natural environment(school, playground) to see how they behave in unstructured settings.
- limitations -> less control over variables, children unaware their being watched, ethics?
research methods used in developmental psych
asking
= interviews/ questionnairres to extract information directly from individual
research methods used in developmental psych
testing
research methods used in developmental psych
analysing
general research designs
Laboratory Experiments: Controlled settings allow for manipulation of variables, providing strong evidence for causality.
Field Experiments: Conducted in natural settings, they offer better ecological validity but less control.
Natural/Quasi Experiments: Study of naturally occurring events, though they may have limited control.
Longitudinal Studies: Track the same group of people over a long period. These studies can show how development changes over time but may be outdated or have sample effects.
Cross-Sectional Studies: Study different age groups at one timepoint. They can reveal generational differences but may suffer from cohort effects (i.e., differences between groups due to experiences).
Sequential Designs: A combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal methods, allowing for more dynamic insights into developmental changes.
validity in developmental research
ethical issues in developmental psych
what is cognitive development?
= refers to thinking, learning, remembering, and problem solving that evolves over time.
Key areas of focus include conceptual reasoning, abstraction, language, socio-emotional development, perception, and information processing.
The goal is to understand qualitative differences in how adults and children think, recognizing that children think differently from adults.
Piagets theory of cognitive development
= Children construct their own understanding of the world, rather than passively absorbing information.
- development follows a fixed order of stages, cannot be skipped and the speed of progression may vary between children but they remain universal. (experienced by all children)
4 stages of cognitive development
Piagets theory
mechanisms of change
piagets theory
schemas = mental representations that organize categories of information and experiences
adaptation = building schemas via interaction with the environment
assimilation = integrating new info into exisiting schemas (assuming all animals that “baa” are sheep)
accommodation = creating or adjusting prior schemas based on new experiences (recognizing that not all animals that “baa” are sheep).
critisism of Piagets theory
Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive devlopment
Vygotsky’s mechanisms of change
Elementary mental functions: Innate functions like attention, sensation, perception, and memory.
Through cultural interaction, these elementary functions evolve into higher mental functions (problem-solving, abstract thinking), which are influenced by cultural beliefs and values.
information processing perspective
-Thought processes are similar at all ages but vary according to acquired knowledge and experience.
informtion processing theory of development
= development is a process of gradual maturation.
Cases Neo Piagetian theory
= Case’s theory agrees with Piaget’s concept of step-like stages, where each step represents more sophisticated cognitive abilities.
the 4 stages of cognitive structures (Cases neo piagetian theory)
executive functions and their role in cognitive development
= mental processes that help individuals set, monitor and achieve goals.
- higher and lower cognitive processes that control our behaviour
- includes the working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
- EF enable individuals to plan, make decisions, control impulses and focus attention.
the development of executive functions
influence of social interaction on executive functions
Socialisation: The way caregivers and parents interact with children can influence the development of EF. For instance, positive caregiving (e.g., playing, managing impulses) fosters EF, while negative control (e.g., over-restricting decisions) can impair it.
Children with better EF are often better at regulating their behaviour in social settings, leading to better social interactions.
measuring executive function
There are some issues with floor effects in assessments, where younger children may not perform tasks well enough to capture their true abilities. (minimum scores)
inhibitory control
= is a core executive function
- It involves controlling our automatic urges (attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions) by pausing, then using attention and reasoning to respond appropriately. Inhibitory control involves our ability to think before we react