D664 - Learners and Learning Science - Section 2:
Theories of Growth and Development - Key Terms
with Correct Solutions
Sensorimotor Stage
Infants (0-2 years old) explore through senses and actions, developing an understanding of
object permanence and laying cognitive foundations
Object Permanence
The understanding that something still exists even though it cannot be seen or heard
Trust Versus Mistrust Stage
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.
Autonomy Versus Shame/Doubt Stage
The shame and doubt stage involves a child's journey toward independence and decision-
making
Sensory Exploration
Involves activities that engage the senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste—helping
children explore and understand the world around them
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve tiny muscles working with the brain and nervous system to control
movements in areas like the hands, fingers, lips, tongue, and eyes
Initiative Versus Guilt Stage
Children between ages three and six display increased assertiveness by taking the lead in play
and engaging in social interactions more actively
, Preoperational 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
Egocentric
Demonstrating a cognitive inclination where individuals find it challenging to acknowledge
perspectives beyond their own
Scaffolding
When the teacher breaks down complex concepts into small, more manageable steps helping
children along the way
Conservation
Understanding that certain physical attributes of objects—such as quantity, mass, volume, and
number—remain constant even when their appearance or arrangement changes
Industry Versus Inferiority Stage
Children between the ages 5 and 12 develop a growing sense of competence and
accomplishment as they develop a greater understanding of their capabilities and limitations
Concrete Operational Stage
In children between ages 7 and 11, thinking becomes more logical, organized, and systematic
Reversibility
To mentally undo actions or operations; allows individuals to understand that certain processes
can be reversed to return to their original state
Classification
To categorize objects, events, or concepts based on common attributes or characteristics,
enabling children to organize and make sense of their environment
Theories of Growth and Development - Key Terms
with Correct Solutions
Sensorimotor Stage
Infants (0-2 years old) explore through senses and actions, developing an understanding of
object permanence and laying cognitive foundations
Object Permanence
The understanding that something still exists even though it cannot be seen or heard
Trust Versus Mistrust Stage
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.
Autonomy Versus Shame/Doubt Stage
The shame and doubt stage involves a child's journey toward independence and decision-
making
Sensory Exploration
Involves activities that engage the senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste—helping
children explore and understand the world around them
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve tiny muscles working with the brain and nervous system to control
movements in areas like the hands, fingers, lips, tongue, and eyes
Initiative Versus Guilt Stage
Children between ages three and six display increased assertiveness by taking the lead in play
and engaging in social interactions more actively
, Preoperational 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
Egocentric
Demonstrating a cognitive inclination where individuals find it challenging to acknowledge
perspectives beyond their own
Scaffolding
When the teacher breaks down complex concepts into small, more manageable steps helping
children along the way
Conservation
Understanding that certain physical attributes of objects—such as quantity, mass, volume, and
number—remain constant even when their appearance or arrangement changes
Industry Versus Inferiority Stage
Children between the ages 5 and 12 develop a growing sense of competence and
accomplishment as they develop a greater understanding of their capabilities and limitations
Concrete Operational Stage
In children between ages 7 and 11, thinking becomes more logical, organized, and systematic
Reversibility
To mentally undo actions or operations; allows individuals to understand that certain processes
can be reversed to return to their original state
Classification
To categorize objects, events, or concepts based on common attributes or characteristics,
enabling children to organize and make sense of their environment
