Overview
This lecture introduces Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, focusing on the stages children progress through as their thinking matures.
Introduction to Cognitive Development
- Cognitive development is the growth of thinking abilities, distinct from physical or biological development.
- Symbolic thought refers to representing reality through mental models, symbols, and language.
Symbolic Systems and Schemas
- Symbolic systems include language, mathematics, and images, allowing communication and learning.
- A schema is a mental category or framework used to quickly process and judge information.
- Schemas are adaptive for processing information but can lead to errors or stereotypes when misapplied.
- Assimilation integrates new information into existing schemas when similarities are present.
- Accommodation modifies existing schemas or creates new ones when new information doesn't fit.
Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
- Piaget proposed predictable, progressive stages in cognitive development.
Sensory-Motor Stage (0-2 years)
- Characterized by coordinating sensory input with motor abilities.
- Object permanence develops: understanding that objects exist even when out of sight.
Pre-Operational Stage (2-7 years)
- Symbolic thought rises, enabling language, drawing, and basic communication.
- Egocentrism is common; children struggle to understand others’ viewpoints.
- Animism: attributing life-like qualities to inanimate objects.
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)
- Development of mental operations, allowing manipulation of internal representations.
- Conservation emerges: understanding quantity remains the same despite changes in form.
- Decentration and reversibility: ability to consider multiple aspects of a problem and mentally reverse actions.
Formal Operational Stage (12+ years)
- Abstract and systematic thinking develops; ability to form and test hypotheses.
- Not everyone reaches full formal operational potential.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cognitive Development — The progression of thinking abilities from infancy to adulthood.
- Schema — A mental structure for organizing and interpreting information.
- Assimilation — Fitting new experiences into existing schemas.
- Accommodation — Adapting schemas or creating new ones for new information.
- Object Permanence — Knowing objects exist even when not seen.
- Egocentrism — Difficulty in seeing perspectives other than one’s own.
- Animism — Belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities.
- Conservation — Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance.
- Decentration — Focusing on multiple aspects of a problem simultaneously.
- Reversibility — Ability to mentally reverse actions or processes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Piaget’s four stages and key concepts for upcoming tests.
- Prepare to discuss or apply these concepts in future lessons.