Year: 2008
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study uses Case's neo-Piagetian theory (1991) of cognitive development as a conceptual framework to investigate social cognitive development from childhood through late adolescence. Method: Using a coding scheme based on the Case model of cognitive development to evaluate performance on a measure of social reasoning abilities (Movie Clips Task), we examined the relationship between age and levels of cognitive complexity (so-called dimensional and vectorial stages of cognitive complexity). We also examined the contributions of working memory, information processing speed, and verbal IQ on social reasoning complexity. Results: Consistent with Case's theory, adolescents (n = 25) had significantly higher percentages of vectorial responses than pre-adolescents (n = 21), indicative of a greater frequency of responses that are representative of the highest level of cognitive development. Also, in accordance with Case's theory (1992a), information processing speed and working memory were independently associated with Movie Clips task performance, although when entered simultaneously in a linear regression model, only information processing speed significantly predicted performance on the Movie Clips task. Last, partial support for criterion validity for the Movie Clips task was demonstrated by its significant correlation with performance on an alternative measure of social cognitive abilities. The findings support Case's cognitive developmental theory and suggest that social cognitive abilities develop through adolescence.
Author: Anthony Swentosky
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1506203266