Developmental Psychology Vocabulary

Infants (0-2 years old) explore through senses and actions, developing an understanding of object permanence and laying cognitive foundations. What is this stage called?

• sensorimotor stage

• preoperational stage

• concrete operational stage

• formal operational stage

The understanding that something still exists even though it cannot be seen or heard is called ________.

• object permanence

• conservation

• egocentrism

• centration

Infants learn to rely on caregivers for their basic needs, fostering trust—while inconsistency in meeting these needs can lead to mistrust, suspicion, and anxiety about their environment. What is this stage called?

• trust versus mistrust stage

• autonomy versus shame and doubt stage

• initiative versus guilt stage

• industry versus inferiority stage

The shame and doubt stage involves a child's journey toward independence and decision-making. What is this stage called?

• autonomy versus shame/doubt stage

• initiative versus guilt stage

• trust versus mistrust stage

• industry versus inferiority stage

Activities that engage the senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste—help children explore and understand the world around them. What is this called?

• sensory exploration

• motor skills development

• language acquisition

• emotional regulation

Tiny muscles working with the brain and nervous system to control movements in areas like the hands, fingers, lips, tongue, and eyes are called ________.

• fine motor skills

• gross motor skills

• reflex actions

• sensory nerves

Children between ages three and six display increased assertiveness by taking the lead in play and engaging in social interactions more actively. What is this stage called?

• initiative versus guilt stage

• trust versus mistrust stage

• autonomy versus shame and doubt stage

• industry versus inferiority stage

Children between the ages of two and seven years old think symbolically, using symbols to represent words, objects, images, individuals, and concepts, enabling the capacity to mimic behavior through imitation. What is this stage called?

• preoperational stage

• sensorimotor stage

• concrete operational stage

• formal operational stage

Demonstrating a cognitive inclination where individuals find it challenging to acknowledge perspectives beyond their own is called ________.

• egocentric

• empathetic

• altruistic

• objective

When the teacher breaks down complex concepts into small, more manageable steps helping children along the way, this is called ________.

• scaffolding

• memorization

• assessment

• discipline