Applications to Theories to Substantive Topics
Essay by miffy21 • January 9, 2016 • Research Paper • 2,205 Words (9 Pages) • 3,062 Views
TAQ1 Part A
2 Key concepts for Cognitive Development
Concept | Explanation |
Zone of proximal development (ZPD): Vygotsky’s idea of the difference between a child’s independent problem solving ability compared with support from a more able peer or adult (Craig & Bellur 2012). | There are two levels of attainment for the zone of proximal development. Level 1 is the present level of development, this describes what a child is able to achieve without any help or assistance from others. Level 2 is the potential level of development; this describes what a child can potentially achieve with the assistance from a more knowledgeable adult. The gap between the two levels is what Vygotsky (1978) called the zone of proximal development (Gross 2015). Vygotsky believed that if a more knowledgeable individual, usually a teacher provided guidance and instruction to a child the child would then be able to complete a task that they would not have been able to complete by themselves (Gross 2015). |
Schema A schema is a cognitive concept that helps us to organise and interpret information (Craig & Bellur 2012). | In Piaget’s theory of cognitive development he described a schema as both the category of knowledge as well as the process used to acquire that knowledge. As new experiences happen and new information is available new schemas are developed and old ones are changed or modified (Gross 2015). A child is able to learn by acquiring new information that will build onto their existing schemas. |
Word count: 234
TAQ1 Part B
2 Key concepts associated with defining abnormality
Concept | Explanation |
Failure to function adequately. Key points to be addressed: What is failure to function adequately? How does it affect the individual and what are the implications? | Failure to function adequately is a psychological abnormality where an individual is unable to function within everyday life. Rosehan & Seligman (1995) defined the concept into seven characteristics: irrational behaviour, unpredictability, personal distress, maladaptive behaviour, discomfort from observers, violation of moral standards and unconventionality (Willard 2015). Different levels of functioning can be assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning. Scores range from 10-100, a low score indicates poor functioning therefore these individuals are deemed abnormal (AS Psychology 2015). |
Deviation from social norms. Key points to be addressed: What does it mean? How does it affect the individual and what are the implications? | Abnormality can be defined as a deviation from social norms. If individuals behaviour is different from what society accepts and is incomprehensible to others or makes others feel uncomfortable or threatened, then they are labeled as abnormal. There are unspoken rules in society such as dressing to a particular dress code that if people break the rule then they are deviating away from social norms. There are also social norms that are legal written laws that if broken lead to criminal behaviour. This definition suggests that anyone who breaks a social norm is abnormal (AS Psychology 2015). |
Word Count: 226
References
AS Psychology. 2015. Three definitions of abnormality. [ONLINE] Available at: http://aspsychologyblackpoolsixth.weebly.com/definitions-of-abnormality.html. [Accessed 20 November 15].
Craig, K and Bellur, R. (2012) A2-level psychology for AQA a: The complete course for AQA A. Edited by CGP Books. United Kingdom: Coordination Group Publications Ltd (CGP)
Ellie Willard. 2015. Failure to function adequately. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tutor2u.net/psychology/reference/failure-to-function-adequately. [Accessed 20 November 15].
Gross, R. (2015) Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour. United Kingdom: Hodder Education.
TAQ 2 Part A
Evaluation of Chomsky’s language acquisition device (LAD) and the biological theory of language acquisition.
Noam Chomsky (1928) proposed that we are born with an innate understanding of rules regarding grammar. He suggested that the linguistic system is layered with a surface structure, which are the words that are spoken and a deep structure that is shared by all languages and is universal. Chomsky believed the ability to use language is born from a system he called the language acquisition device (LAD) he argued that this system is programmed to recognise the deep structure to language regardless of what language it is presented in (Lemetyinen 2012). This essay will evaluate this theory, looking at further studies to support and refute Chomsky’s idea and the biological approach to language acquisition and the validity of the methodology’s used.
A study carried out by Goldin-Meadow and Mylander (1983) supports the theory that language can occur without input from a tutor. The study involved observing gestural communication between 6 congenitally deaf children that have been raised without exposure to any kind of sign language. The findings of the study found that the children developed a gestural communication system that mirrors early language development with progression from one sign to two sign gestures. The study suggests that it is possible to acquire a communication system with language like properties without any exposure or input from a tutor. These results support the theory that there is an innate ability for language acquisition (Saxton 2010). However, there are weaknesses in the reliability of the study from the lack of a representative sample size. The findings of the study also lack the ability to be generalized to the wider society. The study was carried out in the participants natural setting meaning there was no control over any extraneous variables. The study could also lack validity if the children and their mothers were aware of being observed, it may have altered their behaviour (Mcleod 2015).
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