Description of cognitive development theory and references

Answer 1

Cognitive development theory, also known as Piagetian theory, was proposed by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. This theory focuses on how children actively construct knowledge and understanding about the world through their experiences and interactions.

According to Piaget, cognitive development occurs in four stages:

1. Sensorimotor Stage: This stage lasts from birth to about 2 years of age. During this stage, infants develop their cognitive abilities by using their senses and motor skills to explore and interact with the world around them. They also begin to develop object permanence, the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

2. Preoperational Stage: This stage lasts from about 2 to 7 years of age. Children in this stage begin to use symbols, such as words and images, to represent objects and ideas. However, they still struggle with logical and abstract thinking. They also exhibit egocentrism, meaning they have difficulty understanding other people's perspectives.

3. Concrete Operational Stage: This stage lasts from about 7 to 11 years of age. Children in this stage become more capable of logical and abstract thinking, and they can understand concepts such as conservation and reversibility. They also become more capable of taking on others' perspectives, reducing egocentrism.

4. Formal Operational Stage: This stage begins around 11 years of age and continues into adulthood. During this stage, individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and hypothetically. They can use deductive reasoning and can think about multiple solutions to a problem.

Piaget's theory has had a major influence on the field of developmental psychology and has also been extended by other theorists, such as Lev Vygotsky and Lawrence Kohlberg, who focused on social and moral development, respectively.

References:

1. Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children. New York: International Universities Press.

2. Piaget, J. (1970). Genetic Epistemology. New York: Columbia University Press.