Ch. 3-2: Cognitive and Emotional Development

conservation

the principle that a given quantity does not change when its appearance is changed

assimilation

the process of fitting objects and experiences into one's schemas

accommodation

the adjustment of one's schemas to include newly observed events and experiences

representational thought

the intellectual ability of a child to picture something in his or her mind

object permanence

a child's realization that an object exists even when he or she cannot see or touch it

schema

a specific plan for knowing the world

critical period

a specific time in development when certain skills or abilities are most easily learned

egocentric

a young child's inability to understand another person's perspective

imprinting

inherited tendencies or responses that are displayed by newborn animals when they encounter new stimuli in their environment