Early Childhood Education Child Development Theories Flashcards

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be met BEFORE a child can focus on learning?

Answer: Physiological and safety needs

Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs (food, shelter) and safety at the base; unmet basic needs prevent higher-level learning.

Which theorist proposed that language development is primarily driven by an innate Language Acquisition Device (LAD)?

Answer: Noam Chomsky

Chomsky proposed the LAD as a biological mechanism that allows children to acquire language naturally and rapidly.

Erikson's stage of 'Initiative vs. Guilt' corresponds to which age range?

Answer: 3-5 years

During ages 3-5, children in the preschool stage take initiative in play and planning; excessive criticism leads to guilt.

According to Vygotsky, which of the following BEST supports a child working within their ZPD?

Answer: Offering guided support from a more capable peer or adult

Working within the ZPD requires a more knowledgeable other (MKO) to provide support that stretches the child's current capabilities.

Piaget's concept of 'assimilation' means a child is:

Answer: Incorporating new information into existing schemas

Assimilation occurs when a child interprets new experiences through the lens of already existing cognitive frameworks (schemas).

The exosystem in Bronfenbrenner's ecological model refers to:

Answer: Settings the child doesn't directly participate in but that affect them

The exosystem includes environments like a parent's workplace or community resources that influence the child indirectly.

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement as described by B.F. Skinner?

Answer: Stopping the loud alarm when a child puts on their seatbelt

Negative reinforcement increases a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus, as when a seatbelt alarm stops once the belt is fastened.