Psychology: Developmental Psychology

What is the first stage of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, occurring from birth to age two?

The sensorimotor stage, where infants learn about the world through their senses and physical interactions with objects.

In Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the primary conflict faced by infants during their first year of life?

Trust vs. Mistrust, which centers on whether the infant's basic needs are consistently met by caregivers.

What term describes any environmental agent, such as a drug, virus, or chemical, that can cause damage during the prenatal period?

A teratogen.

According to Mary Ainsworth, which attachment style is characterized by a child using the parent as a secure base from which to explore?

Secure attachment.

What is Lev Vygotsky's term for the range of tasks that a child cannot yet handle alone but can accomplish with the help of more skilled partners?

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

At which level of Kohlberg's moral development is reasoning based primarily on rewards, punishments, and self-interest?

The preconventional level.

What cognitive milestone, typically achieved during the sensorimotor stage, involves the understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight?

Object permanence.

Which of Erikson's stages occurs during adolescence and involves the struggle to develop a coherent sense of self?

Identity vs. Role Confusion.

What experimental procedure did Mary Ainsworth develop to observe and measure the quality of attachment between an infant and caregiver?

The Strange Situation.

In Vygotsky's theory, what is the process of providing temporary support that is tailored to a learner's needs and gradually removed as they gain competence?

Scaffolding.