Piaget's theory on stages of cognitive development

• How many stages of cognitive development do we go through?

  Four
• According to Piaget, what causes children to think differently?

  As the brain matures
• How does the order of cognitive development stages vary across children worldwide?

  Same order in all children
• What is the approximate age range for the sensorimotor stage?

  0–2 years
• What is the focus of development during the sensorimotor stage?

  Sensory with movement
• What is 'object permanence' and at what age do children develop it?

  Object exists even if not visible
• What is the approximate age range for the pre-operational stage?

  2–7 years
• What is a limitation of children in the pre-operational stage?

  Not fully developed language
• What are two characteristics of children under 7 years in pre-operational stage?

  Egocentric and lack conservation
• What is the approximate age range for the concrete operational stage?

  7–11 years
• What ability do most children gain around 7 years old?

  Conserve
• What is a key characteristic of the concrete operational stage?

  Logical thinking
• To what type of objects can logical thinking be applied in the concrete operational stage?

  Physical objects
• At what age does the formal operational stage begin?

  11+ years
• What kind of problems can children solve in the formal operational stage?

  Abstract form
• What can children focus on in the formal operational stage, regarding arguments?

  The form of an argument
• What did other research find about children's abilities relating to conservation?

  Younger children can show conservation
• What did other research find about children's abilities relating to egocentrism?

  Reduction in egocentrism
• What did Wason's card task show about children's abstract reasoning?

  Not all children's thinking is advanced
• What is a valid conclusion about Piaget's theory despite its weaknesses?

  Children's thinking changes with age
• What does 'readiness' mean in the context of age-related changes?

  Biologically 'ready'
• What principle should guide the level of activities for children?

  Appropriate for a child’s age