Cognitive Development (Piaget's Theory)

• What is the key idea of Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development?

  Thinking changes as the brain matures
• How does Piaget believe cognitive development occurs?

  Through maturation of the brain over time
• What are the four stages of cognitive development according to Piaget?

  1. Sensorimotor stage (0–2 years)
  2. Pre-operational stage (2–7 years)
  3. Concrete operational stage (7–11 years)
  4. Formal operational stage (11+ years)
• What is the focus of development in the sensorimotor stage?

  Relating sensory experiences with movement
• What is the key characteristic of the sensorimotor stage?

  Object permanence
• At what age does the pre-operational stage occur?

  2–7 years
• What is a key characteristic of the pre-operational stage?

  Lack of conservation and egocentrism
• What does conservation refer to in cognitive development?

  The understanding that quantity remains the same
• At what age does the concrete operational stage occur?

  7–11 years
• What is the key characteristic of the concrete operational stage?

  Logical thinking applied to physical objects
• At what age does the formal operational stage begin?

  11 years and older
• What is the key characteristic of the formal operational stage?

  Formal reasoning about abstract problems
• What are the weaknesses of Piaget's theory?

  • Underestimated children's abilities
  • Overestimated children's capabilities
• What did research suggest about children's abilities in relation to Piaget's theory?

  Younger children can show conservation earlier
• What did Wason's card task reveal about Piaget's theory?

  11-year-olds may not be capable of abstract reasoning
• What is a strength of Piaget's theory?

  • Children’s thinking changes with age
  • Basic principle of cognitive development is valid
• What does Piaget's theory suggest about the timing of cognitive changes?

  Cognitive changes occur with age progression