The theory that individuals progress through four stages of cognitive development, from basic sensorimotor skills to abstract reasoning.
Schema: A schema is a mental representation of information used to organize and interpret new experiences.
Assimilation: Assimilation refers to the process by which new information is incorporated into existing schemas.
Accommodation: Accommodation involves modifying an existing schema to accommodate new information that cannot be assimilated.
Equilibration: This refers to the process of achieving balance between existing schemas and new information.
Object Permanence: Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible.
Conservation: The idea that matter remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement.
Centration: Centration refers to the tendency to focus on one aspect of a problem, neglecting other important factors.
Egocentrism: Egocentrism is a cognitive limit in which a child is unable to take the perspective of another person.
Theory of mind: Theory of mind is the ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that may differ from one's own.
Concrete Operational Stage: The stage at which children develop the ability to think logically about concrete objects and events.
Formal Operational Stage: The stage at which individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and to reason hypothetically.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): The gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with assistance.
Scaffolding: Scaffolding is a technique in which a more skilled learner helps a less skilled learner, with the goal of gradually increasing independence.
Criticisms of Piaget: A discussion of critiques leveled against Piaget’s theory, including its potential cultural biases and limitations in accounting for individual variation.
Contemporary Applications: Modern researchers have applied Piaget’s theories to a range of topics, including video game design, education, and autism research.
Cross-cultural Comparison: A comparison of cognitive development across different cultures can illuminate differences in socialization practices and help researchers identify universal cognitive milestones.
Anomalies and Extensions: Discussion of anomalies and extensions to Piaget’s theory, including recent research into cognitive development in children who experience chronic stress or homelessness.
Sensorimotor Stage: Birth to 2 years old.
Preoperational Stage: To 7 years old.
Concrete Operational Stage: To 11 years old.
Formal Operational Stage: Years old and above.