Question 1

Mr. Johnson teaches a class of twenty 7- and 8-year-old second graders. His goal for the upcoming school year is to help at least 50% of his students reach formal operations. From the perspective of Piaget's theory, we would expect that Mr. Johnson's goal is:

Accepted Answer

A)  An easy one to attain 
B)  Almost impossible to attain 
C)  Attainable only if he emphasizes abstract reasoning throughout the school year 
D)  Attainable only if his students have had enriching educational experiences throughout infancy and early childhood

Question 2

In describing the cognitive abilities of infants, Piaget appears to have:

Accepted Answer

A)  Underestimated what they know and can do 
B)  Overestimated what they know and can do 
C)  Assessed their abilities quite accurately 
D)  Overestimated the importance of language in their early thinking

Question 3

In two separate paragraphs, explain how challenge is involved in (a) the process of equilibration and (b) the concept of zone of proximal development. Give a concrete example to illustrate each discussion.
Developmental Trends Table
The table below describes the experiences of five children and adolescents. For each of these experiences, the table identifies one or more developmental concepts related to challenge, offers an implication for working with children of that age-group, or both. Apply what you've learned about promoting cognitive development to fill in the empty cells in the table.
Examining Challenges that Promote Cognitive Development

Accepted Answer

The answer of In two separate paragraphs, explain how challenge...

Question 4

Choose the statement below that most accurately reflects recent research findings concerning Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

Accepted Answer

A)  The order in which various logical thinking capabilities emerge is consistent with the sequence that Piaget proposed. 
B)  The egocentrism associated with the preoperational stage continues to be common even in the upper elementary grades. 
C)  Concrete operational thinking abilities, such as conservation and class inclusion, develop later than Piaget believed. 
D)  Formal operational thinking abilities, such as the ability to think and reason about abstract and hypothetical ideas, begin to emerge in the preschool years.

Question 5

From Vygotsky's perspective, what important role does inner speech play?

Accepted Answer

A)  By giving themselves directions about what to do next, children guide themselves through complex tasks. 
B)  By using words mentally as well as orally, children develop more abstract representations of the world. 
C)  By practicing various grammatical structures mentally, children acquire more complex language capabilities. 
D)  By talking to themselves about what they should have done or said in a particular situation, children remember the situation more vividly.

Question 6

Which concept reflects the general idea that challenge is important for cognitive development?

Accepted Answer

A)  ZPD 
B)  inner speech 
C)  conservation 
D)  central conceptual structure

Exam 6: Cognitive Development: Piaget and Vygotsky

Mr. Johnson teaches a class of twenty 7- and 8-year-old second graders. His goal for the upcoming school year is to help at least 50% of his students reach formal operations. From the perspective of Piaget's theory, we would expect that Mr. Johnson's goal is:

In describing the cognitive abilities of infants, Piaget appears to have:

Choose the statement below that most accurately reflects recent research findings concerning Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

From Vygotsky's perspective, what important role does inner speech play?

Which concept reflects the general idea that challenge is important for cognitive development?