Piaget's stage theory

Definition

Piaget's stage theory refers to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which explains how children develop their thinking abilities as they grow. It is comprised of four main stages: 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 where children start using symbols to represent objects and engage in pretend play.

Formal Operational Stage:

The final stage where adolescents acquire abstract reasoning skills and are capable of hypothetical thinking.