Lecture Notes

• What is the main aim of the lecture on cognitive development?

  To understand and describe variations in development
• What are the three main parts of the lecture structure?

  1. How does development vary?
  2. Disorders of development
  3. Implications for development theories
• What is the difference between typical and atypical variation in development?

  Typical variation is within expected boundaries
• What does the Communication Development Inventory (CDI) measure?

  Parental checklist of child's word understanding
• What does the variation in word production at 2 years indicate?

  Normal variation between 50 and 550 words
• How do girls' vocabulary skills compare to boys' on average?

  Girls perform better with larger vocabulary
• What is the difference in vocabulary production between US and UK children?

  US children produce more words than UK children
• What is considered atypical development?

  Development outside typical variation boundaries
• What are the types of atypical development?

  • Delay: Slower rate of attainment
  • Different/disordered: Unexpected sequence of development
  • Disability: Global developmental delay
• What are some possible causes for atypical development?

  Genetic disorders and teratogens
• How can variation in development be assessed?

  • Informal methods: Naturalistic observation
  • Formal methods: Standardized assessment tests
• What do developmental milestones indicate?

  Norms to compare against for disorders
• What is the Bayley Scales of Infant Development used for?

  Comprehensive assessment of development
• Why is it important to study developmental disorders?

  To support those with difficulties effectively
• What are the theoretical implications of studying developmental disorders?

  • Clarifies typical development processes
  • Identifies dependent and separable processes
  • Informs developmental psychopathology
• What is a key takeaway regarding language development variation?

  Wide individual variation exists in language development
• What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

  A language-specific disorder affecting structure
• How does studying DLD inform theories of language development?

  Supports the idea of an innate language module
• What characterizes Williams syndrome?

  Physical problems and early language delay
• What do the results of Stojanovik's study suggest about pragmatic skills?

  Pragmatic skills are linked to cognitive abilities
• What are the implications of the findings on language skills and cognitive abilities?

  • Language skills are not independent of cognition
  • Suggests a separate language module is unlikely
• What is the focus of the second part of the lecture on cognitive development?

  Influence of developmental psychology on education
• How do WS children's conversation difficulties differ from DLD children?

  WS children have different conversation difficulties
• What does the study suggest about language skills and cognitive abilities?

  Language skills do not develop independently
• What implication does the study have for the concept of a separate language module?

  A separate language module is unlikely
• What questions should be considered regarding variation in development?

  • In what ways does development show variation?
  • What methods can we use to assess development?
  • How does studying atypical groups inform psychological theories?
• What is the aim of the cognitive development section in education?

  To understand psychology's influence on education
• How does developmental psychology research inform education?

  It uncovers children's cognitive capabilities
• What is the relationship between developmental theories and educational practice?

  They inform educational practice, theory, and policy
• What are the parts of the lecture on cognitive development?

  1. Piaget’s stage theory of development
  2. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of development
  3. Using psychological theory in education
• What is the key takeaway from Piaget's stage theory of development?

  It underlies present-day education systems
• What did Piaget believe about children's understanding?

  Children must construct knowledge themselves
• How did Piaget's work influence educational practices?

  It led to child-centered educational approaches
• What is discovery-based learning?

  Learning through exploration and problem-solving
• What did Levin et al. (1990) demonstrate about children's learning?

  Physical experience enhances understanding
• What are the stages of Piaget's development theory?

  Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete operational, Formal operational
• What is developmentally appropriate provision in education?

  • Children must be cognitively ready to learn
  • Concepts should match developmental stages
• How does peer interaction affect egocentrism in children?

  It can challenge egocentric views
• What is the socio-cognitive conflict according to Doise & Mugny (1984)?

  Conflicting egocentric views among children
• What is the role of discovery-based learning in education?

  Encourages exploration and problem-solving