Overview
This lecture covers Piaget's theory of cognitive development, focusing on the four major stages that children go through as their reasoning evolves.
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development
- Piaget proposed that children construct their understanding of the world as they grow, passing through distinct cognitive stages.
- Children do not think like miniature adults; their reasoning changes fundamentally as they develop.
The Four Stages of Cognitive Development
Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years)
- Infants explore the world using their senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch) and motor actions.
- Key development: object permanence—understanding that objects exist even when they cannot be seen.
Preoperational Stage (2-6/7 years)
- Children engage in pretend play and start using symbols (like words) to represent objects.
- They are egocentric, meaning they struggle to see perspectives other than their own.
- Understanding of symbols grows as language develops.
Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years)
- Children master the concept of conservation—the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in container shape.
- They can perform basic mental operations, such as simple math and logical reasoning about concrete events.
Formal Operational Stage (12 years and up)
- Abstract reasoning emerges; children can think about hypothetical situations and consequences.
- Sophisticated moral reasoning begins at this stage, approaching adult-like thought processes.
Critiques and Modern Views
- Later research shows development is not strictly tied to ages, but children generally follow the stages in order.
- Piaget's work shifted the view of children as more than miniature adults.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Object permanence — Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
- Egocentrism — Difficulty in seeing situations from perspectives other than one’s own.
- Conservation — The concept that quantity does not change despite changes in shape or appearance.
- Abstract reasoning — The ability to think about concepts and possibilities that are not physically present.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Try observing a child to identify which cognitive stage they are in using Piaget’s tests (e.g., conservation task).