Piaget's cognitive development stages

Definition

Piaget's cognitive development stages refer to the four distinct stages of intellectual growth that individuals progress through as they mature. These stages are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Related terms

Schema:

Schemas are mental frameworks or structures that help us organize and interpret information. For example, when we see a furry animal for the first time, we might create a schema for 'dog' and use it to identify other similar animals.

Assimilation:

Assimilation occurs when new information is incorporated into existing schemas. It's like adding new puzzle pieces to an already assembled puzzle.

Accommodation:

Accommodation happens when existing schemas need to be modified or adjusted in response to new information or experiences. It's like changing the shape or size of puzzle pieces to fit them together correctly.