PSYCH 2AA3 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Executive Functions, Metacognition, 18 Months
5 Nov 2013
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Document Summary
Children construct theories to make the world seem more predictable. Assimilation: new experiences are readily incorporated into a child s existing theories. Accommodation: a child s theories are modified based on experience. Disequilibrium children discover their current theories are not adequate because they are spending much more time accommodating than assimilating. Equilibration: children reorganize their theories to return to a state of equilibrium. Schemas: mental structures whose formation is driven by equilibration. Not static once formed constantly changing. Integration of all the schemas together allows organization of information into a coherent whole. Infant progresses from simple reflex actions to symbolic processing. Progression along 3 important fronts: adapting to and exploring the environment, understanding objects; object permanence, using symbols. Substage 1 (birth 1 month): basic reflexes. Substage 2 (1-4 months): primary circular reactions. Primary circular reaction: an infant accidentally produces some pleasing event and then tries to recreate the event. Use of reflexes becomes more complex and intentional.
