MAPC 002 LIFEAPAN PSYCHOLOGY SECTION B

MPC 002  SECTION A  SECTION B  SECTION C
MAPC 002 LIFEAPAN PSYCHOLOGY SECTION B

Answer the following questions in 400 words each. 5 x 5 = 25 marks

4. Discuss Piaget’s and Kohlberg’s ideas on moral development.

Moral development refers to the process by which individuals learn to differentiate right from wrong and develop values, ethics, and principles. Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg offered influential theories that outline the stages of moral development.

Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development

Piaget proposed a two-stage theory based on his observations of children’s moral reasoning:

1. Heteronomous Morality (5–10 years):

   • Characteristics: Children view rules as fixed and absolute, handed down by authority figures like parents or teachers. They believe breaking rules will result in immediate punishment (immanent justice).
   • Focus: Morality is driven by consequences rather than intentions. For example, a child might believe that breaking one cup intentionally is less serious than accidentally breaking several cups.

2. Autonomous Morality (10+ years):

   • Characteristics: With cognitive development and social interactions, children begin to understand that rules are flexible and can be changed with mutual agreement.
   • Focus: Moral judgments are based on intentions rather than consequences. Children develop a sense of fairness and justice.

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Building on Piaget’s work, Kohlberg proposed a more detailed six-stage theory, grouped into three levels:

1. Preconventional Level (Childhood):

   • Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment: Moral reasoning is based on avoiding punishment.
   • Stage 2: Self-Interest: Actions are guided by personal benefits or rewards.

2. Conventional Level (Adolescence to Adulthood):

   • Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships: Morality is driven by the desire to gain approval or maintain relationships.
   • Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order: Emphasis on laws, rules, and authority for societal stability.

3. Postconventional Level (Adulthood):

   • Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights: Recognition that laws should promote the greater good and protect individual rights.
   • Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles: Guided by abstract principles like justice, equality, and human rights, even if they conflict with laws.

Comparison: While Piaget focused on the transition from authority-driven morality to mutual understanding of fairness, Kohlberg extended this framework to explore more complex reasoning involving abstract ethical principles.

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5. Elucidate learning disability, highlighting its characteristics, causes, and identification

process.

Learning Disability: Characteristics, Causes, and Identification learning disability (LD) is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to process information, leading to difficulties in reading, writing, math, or other academic skills.

Characteristics of Learning Disabilities

1. Difficulties in Specific Skills:
   • Reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia).
2. Inconsistent Performance:
   • Children may excel in one area while struggling in another.
3. Attention and Memory Issues:
   • Difficulty concentrating, retaining, and recalling information.
4. Poor Motor Skills:
   • Problems with coordination, handwriting, or spatial awareness.
5. Language Difficulties:
   • Struggles with comprehension, expression, or both.

Causes of Learning Disabilities

1. Genetic Factors:
   • LDs often run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
2. Neurological Issues:
   • Irregular brain structure or function, particularly in areas associated with language or memory.
3. Environmental Factors:
   • Poor prenatal care, exposure to toxins, or trauma during birth can contribute.
4. Educational Environment:
   • Lack of proper instruction or early intervention can exacerbate issues.

Identification Process

1. Observation and Screening:
   • Teachers or parents notice persistent difficulties despite normal intelligence and effort.
2. Assessment by Specialists:
   • Psychologists or educators conduct standardized tests to evaluate specific areas like reading or math.
3. Medical Evaluation:
   • Rule out other causes, such as hearing or vision problems.
4. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):
   • Once diagnosed, tailored strategies are implemented to address the child’s needs.

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6. Describe language development in children, highlighting its components.

 Language Development in Children

Language development is the process through which children acquire the ability to understand and communicate through speech, writing, or gestures.

Components of Language Development

1. Phonology:
   • Understanding and producing the sounds of a language.
2. Morphology:
   • Learning the structure of words, including prefixes and suffixes.
3. Syntax:
   • Mastering grammar and sentence structure.
4. Semantics:
   • Understanding the meaning of words and phrases.
5. Pragmatics:
   • Using language appropriately in social contexts.

Stages of Language Development

1. Pre-Linguistic Stage (0–12 months):
   • Babbling and cooing, progressing to gestures and simple sounds.
2. One-Word Stage (12–18 months):
   • Use of single words to represent objects, actions, or needs.
3. Two-Word Stage (18–24 months):
   • Combining two words to form simple sentences, like “want toy.”
4. Early Sentence Formation (2–3 years):
   • Rapid vocabulary growth and use of basic grammar.
5. Complex Sentences (3+ years):
   • Fluency in conversation, improved grammar, and storytelling.

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7. Discuss the psychosocial changes in older adults.

Psychosocial Changes in Older Adults

Older adulthood, typically starting after age 65, is marked by significant psychosocial changes that impact identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Psychosocial Challenges

1. Erikson’s Stage of Integrity vs. Despair:
   • Older adults reflect on their lives, seeking a sense of fulfillment (integrity) or regret (despair).
2. Social Isolation:
   • Loss of friends, family members, or mobility can lead to loneliness.
3. Role Loss:
   • Retirement or reduced physical capabilities can affect self-esteem and purpose.
4. Cognitive Decline:
   • While not universal, some experience memory loss or slower processing speeds.

Positive Psychosocial Changes

1. Wisdom and Emotional Regulation:
   • Older adults often report greater emotional stability and acceptance of life’s challenges.
2. Strong Relationships:
   • Focus on meaningful connections with family and close friends.
3. Adaptability:
   • Many develop resilience and adapt to new roles, such as grandparenting or volunteering.

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8. Describe the challenges and issues faced by an adolescent.rg’s Ideas on Moral Development

 Challenges and Issues Faced by Adolescents

Adolescence, spanning from ages 10 to 19, is a critical phase of development characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes.

Physical Challenges

1. Puberty:
   • Hormonal changes lead to growth spurts, sexual maturation, and body image concerns.
2. Sleep Issues:
   • Biological shifts in sleep patterns often conflict with academic and social demands.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

1. Identity Formation:
   • Adolescents explore personal values, beliefs, and career aspirations (Erikson’s stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion).
2. Mental Health:
   • Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and stress due to academic and social pressures.
3. Peer Influence:
   • Susceptibility to peer pressure can lead to risky behaviors like substance use.

Social Challenges

1. Family Conflicts:
   • Adolescents seek independence, often leading to tension with parents.
2. Academic Pressure:
   • High expectations for academic success can create stress.
3. Cyberbullying:
   • Online harassment has become a growing issue, affecting mental health and self-esteem.

By addressing these challenges with support systems and interventions, adolescents can navigate this phase more effectively.

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