Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development

Definition

Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development refer to a theory proposed by psychologist Jean Piaget that describes four distinct stages of intellectual growth and understanding in children. These stages are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Related terms

Sensorimotor Stage:

This is the first stage in Piaget's theory, where infants learn about the world through their senses and motor actions.

Preoperational Stage:

The second stage in Piaget's theory, characterized by symbolic thinking and egocentrism.

Formal Operational Stage:

The final stage in Piaget's theory, where individuals develop abstract thinking abilities and can reason logically about hypothetical situations.