Three Theories of Cognitive Development - 1674 Words

Three Theories of Cognitive Development The Swiss psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget (1896-1980) is well-known for his work towards the cognitive sciences. Arguably one of his most important contributions involves his theory of cognitive development. In this theory, thinking progresses through four distinct stages between infancy and adulthood. Similar in scope to Piaget’s theory is Information Processing, in which human thinking is based on both mental hardware and mental software (Kail, Cavanaugh). A final theory on cognitive development was established by the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). Vygotsky proposed that development is a collaborative effort between child and partner. While these three theories attempt†¦show more content†¦Also changing is the way an adolescent thinks about social matters. The future is beginning to be thought of in relation to what he or she can become. Information Processing In this view, human thinking is based on mental hardware (allows the mind to operate) and mental software (basis for performing particular tasks). There are several different aspects to this theory. Learning and cognitive development can happen through habituation, classical and operant conditioning, and imitation. Habituation is the diminished response to a stimulus as it becomes more familiar. Constantly responding to insignificant stimuli is wasteful, so habituation keeps infants from devoting too much energy to non-important events. In classical conditioning, a stimulus elicits a response that was originally produced by another stimulus. No new behaviors are learned, but an association is developed (Huitt, W. and Hummel, J). For example, a toddler may frown when he hears water running in the bathroom because he realizes that it is time for a bath. Operant conditioning emphasizes reward and punishment. This helps children form expectations about what will happen in their environment. Imitation is important in older children and adolescents. This process entails a â€Å"watch and learn† kind of approach. A boy can learn how to play basketball by watching aShow MoreRelatedExplain The Three Major Components Of Piaget s Cognitive Development Theory2899 Words   |  12 Pagesof this paper is to explain the three major components of Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory, learn in depth about the pre-operational stage, and consider the implications of Piaget’s theory for the classroom. Jean Piaget was a psychologist who was best known for studying the Theory of Cognitive Development in children and adolescents. The Theory of Cognitive Development is separated into three major components. The first component of Piaget’s Cognitive Theory is the concept of schema. The secondRead MoreUsing Three Habituation Technique For Evaluate A Piagetian Hypothesis From Piaget s Theory Of Cognitive Development1355 Words   |  6 PagesTarek Algabyali Psychology 102 Instructor: Bob Melera TA: Kseiina G. Using three Habituation Technique to Evaluate a Piagetian Hypothesis The purpose of this paper is to use the habituation technique in young infants to evaluate one hypothesis derived from Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. I will compare 5-months olds in a task that involves possible and impossible outcomes. Piaget’s theory specifies the cognitive competencies of children of this age. 1a. During the first few months ofRead MoreIdentifying the Components of Cognitivist Theories Used in, Kermit and the Keyboard.1488 Words   |  6 PagesLenora A. Mayne American Intercontinental University May 2013 EDU 622: Applying Learning Theories Identifying The Components of Cognitivist Theories used in, Kermit and The Keyboard. Abstract Cognitivism emphasizes on the explanation of cognitive structures and process, and the intervention of these structures and processes between instruction and learning (Glaserfeld, 1989). The study of cognitivism has allowed for educators, theorist and psychologist to understand the conceptsRead MoreEssay Kermit and the Keyboard from a Cognitivist Perspective840 Words   |  4 PagesAbstract Three different cognitivist approaches to the story Kermit and the Keyboard are presented in Driscoll’s Psychology of Learning for Instruction (2005). Cognitive Information Processing, Piagetian Theory, and Interactional Theories of Cognitive Development are the three perspectives given on how Kermit learns to play the keyboard. These theories have similarities as well as divergent views on development. Kermit and the Keyboard from a Cognitivist Perspective Cognitive Information ProcessingRead MoreEssay about Understanding Piaget’s Theory and Current Criticism1370 Words   |  6 Pagesestablished a theory of cognitive growth during childhood. This theory was viewed as a major model for understanding the intricate steps of mental development from the thinking to understanding for a child. This theory also gave rise to the mentality that cognitive processes during childhood are not minuscule versions of adults but rather an irrational yet unique process with its own rules. Even though Piaget’s theory seems quite reasonable and logical, under the light of recent speculation his theory hasRead MoreEssay Kermit and Cognition1476 Words   |  6 PagesUniversity Online Abstract Cognitive Information Processing (CIP), Cognitive Development and Interactional Development are theories of learning based upon the idea that learning is an internal process rather than merely something that can be observed like behaviorism. Here I examine the three theories as they relate to a scenario of a young man attempting to learn to play a keyboard. The objective is to show the similarities and differences in the three theories and how each can be applied toRead MoreChild Development Theories1560 Words   |  7 PagesChild Development: An Examination of Three Theories There are a lot of theories regarding child development. Three of these theories are Bioecological Theory, Social-Cognitive Theory and Information-Processing Theory. This paper will discuss these theories by comparing and contrasting them. The first theory is the Bioecological Theory developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. This theory is based on the nature vs. nurture idea. Bronfenbrenner believed development of a child was determinedRead MoreLifespan Development : Cognitive, And Personal And Social Development1717 Words   |  7 PagesLifespan Development is the field of study that examines patterns, modes of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur throughout the entire lifespan of an individual. There are so many things to keep in mind about Lifespan Psychology; 1. Lifespan Psychology is a scientific, developmental approach that focuses on human development. 2. Scientists who study the lifespan know that neither heredity nor environment alone can account for the full range of human development. 3. Development is a continuingRead MoreDiscuss Piagets theory of cognitive development1235 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Discuss Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development Cognitive Development can be defined as the development of thought processes. This includes thinking, concept understanding, problem solving, and decision making and remembering from childhood on to adulthood. There are two theories of Cognitive development that offer us two different ways of understanding it. The first is called Domain general. This theory states that one line of development determines all of the changes in a child’sRead MorePiaget And Vygotsky Theory Of Cognitive Development Essay826 Words   |  4 Pagesconcept of cognitive development and, highlight both Piaget and Vygotsky’s theory as it relates to cognitive development, and the significant differences between them. The term cognitive development refers to the process of growth and change in intellectual, mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning and understanding. It comprises of the acquisition and consolidation of knowledge. Infants draw on social-emotional, language, motor, and perceptual experience and abilities for cognitive development