Piaget’s Cognitive Theory of Development

Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years)

Abilities: Infants learn through sensory experiences and actions. They develop object permanence (understanding objects continue to exist even when out of sight).

What can’t be done: No ability to form mental representations of objects.

Preoperational Stage (2-7 years)

Abilities: Children develop symbolic thought, using language and imagination.

What can’t be done: They struggle with conservation (understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance) and are egocentric (difficulty in seeing things from others’ perspectives).

Preoperational Stage (2-7 years)

Abilities: Children develop symbolic thought, using language and imagination.

What can’t be done: They struggle with conservation (understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance) and are egocentric (difficulty in seeing things from others’ perspectives).

Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)

Abilities: Children begin to understand conservation and can perform logical operations (e.g., mathematical reasoning).

What can’t be done: They still struggle with abstract or hypothetical thinking.

Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)

Abilities: Adolescents develop the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically about hypothetical situations.

What can’t be done: N/A—able to think about possibilities, not just actual events.

What were some of the shortcomings of Piaget’s theory?

Underestimated Children: Piaget thought kids couldn't do certain things at younger ages, but research shows they can.

Ignored Culture: His theory doesn’t fully account for how culture or social interactions affect learning.

Too Rigid: Piaget's stages are too strict; kids might show abilities from different stages at once.

Ignored Emotions/Social Development: His theory focuses on thinking, but doesn’t consider the role of emotions and social development.

Overvalued Independent Learning: Piaget emphasized kids figuring things out on their own, but guided learning can help kids develop faster.