Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Stage theorists are psychologists who propose that development occurs in distinct stages, with each stage representing a unique set of behaviors and characteristics.
A renowned stage theorist known for his theory of cognitive development. He proposed that children progress through four stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
Another influential stage theorist who focused on psychosocial development. He suggested that individuals go through eight stages throughout their lifespan, each involving a specific developmental task or crisis to resolve.
A stage theorist who developed a theory of moral development. According to Kohlberg's theory, individuals progress through six stages of moral reasoning as they mature morally.