Child Development Theories Flashcards

In Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:

Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a child's independent capability and what they can achieve with adult or peer support.

Which theorist introduced the concept of 'scaffolding' as an extension of Vygotsky's work?

Answer: Jerome Bruner

Jerome Bruner coined the term 'scaffolding' to describe the temporary support adults provide to help children reach higher levels of functioning.

Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model includes which system that represents the child's immediate environment, such as family and classroom?

Answer: Microsystem

The microsystem is the innermost layer containing settings the child directly experiences, like home, school, and peer groups.

According to Piaget, 'accommodation' occurs when a child:

Answer: Modifies an existing schema to incorporate new information

Accommodation involves changing existing mental frameworks when new experiences cannot be assimilated into them.

Erik Erikson's stage 'Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt' typically occurs during which age range?

Answer: 18 months to 3 years

Erikson placed the Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage in toddlerhood (18 months–3 years), when children strive for independence.

In Bandura's social learning theory, 'self-efficacy' refers to:

Answer: One's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors needed to achieve goals

Self-efficacy is an individual's confidence in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Which of the following best describes Bronfenbrenner's 'exosystem'?

Answer: Settings the child never directly experiences but that affect them indirectly

The exosystem includes settings like a parent's workplace or local school board that affect the child without the child's direct participation.