Cognitive Theories

Cognitive Development

The mental aspect of development that includes logic and memory, focusing on how thought processes influence our interaction with the world.

Piaget's Stages of Development

A theory describing four stages in children's intellectual development: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operations, and Formal Operations.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage of Piaget's theory, occurring from birth to 2 years, where infants gain understanding of object permanence and cause-and-effect.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage of Piaget's theory, from ages 2 to 7, where children attribute life to inanimate objects and only understand one bit of information at a time.

Concrete Operations Stage

The third stage of Piaget's theory, from ages 7 to 11, where children can understand multiple pieces of information simultaneously and have a realistic view of the world.

Formal Operations Stage

The fourth stage of Piaget's theory, beginning in adolescence, where individuals can think abstractly and hypothetically.

Information Processing Theory

A theory that explains how the brain processes information akin to a computer, involving input, processing, and output.

Memory Processes

Components of information processing that include encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

Vygotsky's Language and Development Theory

A theory suggesting that complex thinking originates from social interactions and emphasizes the role of language in personality development.

Zone of Proximal Development

The range of tasks that a learner can perform with guidance but not yet independently.