Human Growth Flashcards

According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the 'zone of proximal development' refers to:

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

Vygotsky defined the ZPD as the distance between a learner's independent ability and what they can achieve with skilled assistance.

Which theorist introduced the concept of 'basic trust vs. mistrust' as the first stage of psychosocial development?

Answer: Erik Erikson

Erikson's first psychosocial stage (infancy) centers on whether infants develop trust in caregivers or a pervasive sense of mistrust.

A 10-year-old child reasons that sharing toys is right because it follows classroom rules. Which level of Kohlberg's moral development does this represent?

Answer: Conventional

Conventional morality involves following rules and laws to maintain social order and gain approval from authority figures.

Bronfenbrenner's ecological model places the individual's immediate settings (home, school) in which system?

Answer: Microsystem

The microsystem contains the immediate environments in which a person directly participates, such as family and school.

During which Piagetian stage does a child first demonstrate object permanence?

Answer: Sensorimotor

Object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight—emerges during the sensorimotor stage (birth to ~2 years).

Attachment theory, as developed by Bowlby, emphasizes that secure attachment in infancy primarily depends on:

Answer: Caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness

Bowlby stressed that a caregiver's consistent, sensitive responsiveness to the infant's signals forms the foundation of secure attachment.

Which term describes the process by which adolescents form a stable sense of self through exploration and commitment?

Answer: Identity achievement

Identity achievement, per Marcia, occurs when an individual has actively explored options and made a firm commitment to an identity.