Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

Definition

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is a major theory in psychology that describes how children's thinking and understanding of the world develops as they grow. It proposes that children progress through distinct stages, from sensorimotor to formal operational, as they acquire new abilities to think and reason.

Related terms

Schema:

A schema refers to mental frameworks or concepts that help organize and interpret information. It's like having different folders on your computer where you store files related to specific topics.

Assimilation:

Assimilation occurs when new experiences are incorporated into existing schemas. It's like adding new ingredients to your recipe collection but using the same cooking techniques.

Accommodation:

Accommodation happens when existing schemas are modified or changed based on new experiences. It's similar to upgrading your cell phone software to adapt to new features.