key term - Piaget's stages of cognitive development

Definition

Piaget's stages of cognitive development refer to the four distinct periods of cognitive growth that individuals go through as they develop from infancy to adulthood. These stages include the sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage.

Related terms

Sensorimotor stage: This is the first stage in Piaget's theory where infants explore the world through their senses and motor actions.

Preoperational stage: The second stage characterized by symbolic thinking, egocentrism, and lack of logical reasoning.

Concrete operational stage: The third stage where children become capable of logical reasoning but struggle with abstract concepts.