Child Development & Learning Theories Flashcards
7 cards from real CPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Child Development & Learning Theories flashcards as text
In operant conditioning, what is a 'negative reinforcement'?
Answer: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a desired behavior
Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing or avoiding something unpleasant, which encourages the child to repeat the behavior.
Which attachment style describes a child who is distressed when separated from a caregiver but is not easily comforted upon reunion?
Answer: Anxious-ambivalent attachment
Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment features high distress at separation and difficulty being soothed upon reunion, showing conflicting feelings toward the caregiver.
What does Erikson's stage 'Initiative vs. Guilt' (ages 3–6) primarily involve for preschool children?
Answer: Exploring independence and taking on purposeful activities
During the Initiative vs. Guilt stage, children assert themselves through play and purposeful activities; guilt arises when they feel their initiative is inappropriate.
Which approach to early childhood education emphasizes child-led exploration, teacher as observer, and learning through prepared environments with natural materials?
Answer: Montessori method
The Montessori method uses specially prepared environments where children self-direct learning and teachers observe rather than lecture.
What does the term 'accommodation' mean in Piaget's theory?
Answer: Modifying an existing schema to fit new information
Accommodation occurs when a new experience cannot fit an existing schema, causing the child to alter or create a schema to incorporate it.
A preschool teacher uses puppets to re-enact a social conflict and asks children what the characters should do. Which learning theory most directly supports this strategy?
Answer: Social learning theory
Social learning theory (Bandura) emphasizes observational learning and modeling, which puppet-based role-play directly leverages.
Which domain of development refers to children's ability to form relationships, cooperate, and understand others' emotions?
Answer: Social-emotional development
Social-emotional development encompasses relationship skills, emotional regulation, empathy, and cooperation—core competencies shaped in preschool.