AP Psychology 3.4.A: Cognitive Development
Explore AP Psychology 3.4.A questions on Piaget and Vygotsky, cognitive stages, scaffolding, intelligence, and changes in cognition across the lifespan.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Psychology
Exam points
- apply Piaget’s stages, schemas, assimilation and accommodation to behavior and mental processes
- explain how Vygotsky’s social learning, scaffolding and zone of proximal development support cognitive development
- distinguish fluid from crystallized intelligence when explaining cognitive changes across adulthood
3.4.A—Explain how theories of cognitive development apply to behavior and mental processes. UNIT 3 Development and… question 1
[Maximum number: 1]
As a senior in high school, Ludy worked as an assistant to the children's librarian in his town library. He enjoyed
shelving the books in the library because he was able to work alone and focus on his task. Although the library
was normally a quiet place, sometimes the children's section became quite noisy when groups of children
visited. After working in an unfulfilling desk job for 30 years, Ludy recalls how much he enjoyed working at the
library and decides to go back and work as a volunteer creating new programs for disadvantaged children.
Describe how each of the following concepts relates to Ludy's return to working at the library.
- Crystallized intelligence
- Altruism
- Big Five trait of extraversion
- Broca's area
- Self-efficacy
- Episodic memory
Crystallized intelligence
Responses must indicate how acquired knowledge (facts, general information, or vocabulary), or lack thereof,
relates to Ludy's return to working at the library.
- Score: "Ludy's ability to recall the Dewey Decimal System will help in his return."
- Score: "Ludy's lack of knowledge of current library practices impedes his success."
- Score: "As Ludy reads books to the children it adds to their understanding of the world."
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