PSY 457LEC: Cognitive Development

This video explores the laws of visual perception: Closure, Proximity, Similarity, and Simplicity, and matches them with their respective meanings. Closure involves perceiving fragmented elements as a complete figure, Proximity relates to grouping close elements together, Similarity pertains to grouping similar-looking elements, and Simplicity emphasizes perceiving patterns in the simplest manner possible.

Discover the essential process of neural pruning in brain development, distinct from creating new connections, managing neural waste, or increasing brain weight. Uncover how this natural "clean-up" refines our neural network, making our brains more efficient in processing information. Explore the impact of neural pruning on cognitive growth and the interaction between genetics and environment in brain development.

Unpack the concept of CER, or Conditioned Emotional Response, in psychology. It signifies an emotional reaction stemming from classical conditioning, linking neutral stimuli with significant emotional events. Examples include fears developed after traumatic experiences.

This video explores Jean Piaget's theories of child development, specifically focusing on Concrete Operational and Formal Operational Thinking stages and illustrating their distinctions through the Pendulum Experiment.

Explore Edward Thorndike's foundational Law of Effect, illustrating how favorable consequences influence behavior repetition. Contrast this principle with other behavioral concepts like operant conditioning and shaping for a complete understanding.