Intellectual Development Across the Lifespan

This page provides an overview of key aspects and theories of intellectual development from infancy through adulthood. It covers language acquisition, cognitive development stages, and changes in intellectual abilities over time.

Highlight: Important aspects of intellectual development include language, problem-solving, memory, moral development, and abstract thought.

The page outlines typical language milestones in early childhood:

• 2 years: Begins with 2-word sentences, builds vocabulary
• 3 years: Begins to make simple sentences, vocabulary develops
• 4 years: Clear sentences understood by strangers
• 5 years: Full adult grammar

Example: Activities to support intellectual development in young children include bubble play, puppets, rhymes/songs, and picture books.

The transcript introduces Chomsky's theory of language development, which posits that children have an innate Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

Definition: The Language Acquisition Device (LAD) is Chomsky's concept of an innate biological capacity for language acquisition in humans.

Piaget's model of cognitive development is also presented, outlining the four main stages:

1. Sensorimotor stage
2. Preoperational stage
3. Concrete operational stage
4. Formal operational stage

Vocabulary: Schema - a category of knowledge in Piaget's theory

The page concludes by discussing intellectual development in adulthood, noting that knowledge and skills continue to develop throughout life, and new brain cells can form at any age.

Quote: "Memory loss is assumed in old age, however it is not true. Brain can produce cells at any age."