Sensorimotor stage

Definition

The sensorimotor stage is the first of Jean Piaget's stages of cognitive development, occurring from birth to about two years old, where infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and motor actions. During this stage, children explore their environment, develop object permanence, and begin to understand the relationship between their actions and the outcomes they produce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sensorimotor stage is divided into six substages, each representing different ways infants interact with their environment and build knowledge.
2. During this stage, infants learn through trial and error, actively experimenting with their surroundings to see what happens.
3. The development of motor skills is crucial in this stage; as infants gain control over their movements, they become more adept at exploring and learning.
4. Imitation begins to emerge towards the end of the sensorimotor stage, as infants start to replicate actions they observe in others.
5. This stage sets the foundation for later cognitive development by helping children form basic concepts of reality and cause-and-effect relationships.

Review Questions

• How do infants demonstrate their understanding of object permanence during the sensorimotor stage?
  • Infants show their understanding of object permanence through behaviors such as searching for hidden objects or reacting when an object is removed from sight. Initially, young infants may not look for a toy if it is covered or hidden, but as they progress through the sensorimotor stage, they begin to realize that the object still exists even when it’s out of view. This growing awareness indicates cognitive growth and reflects their developing understanding of the world around them.
• What are the key milestones in cognitive development that occur during the different substages of the sensorimotor stage?
  • The sensorimotor stage consists of six substages, starting with reflexive actions in newborns and progressing to more intentional behaviors. Key milestones include the development of object permanence around 8-12 months and the ability to perform goal-directed actions around 12-18 months. By 18-24 months, children engage in deferred imitation and symbolic thought, reflecting their ability to think about objects and events that are not immediately present. These milestones indicate a shift from simple reflexes to more complex cognitive processes.
• Evaluate how experiences during the sensorimotor stage influence later cognitive abilities in childhood and beyond.
  • Experiences during the sensorimotor stage lay a crucial groundwork for cognitive abilities that will develop later in childhood. The skills learned through exploration and interaction during this stage influence problem-solving capabilities, language acquisition, and social understanding. For instance, children who effectively develop object permanence are better equipped to engage in symbolic play and later academic learning. This foundational period fosters essential cognitive skills that are critical for adapting to increasingly complex environments throughout life.

Related terms

object permanence: The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched, which typically develops during the sensorimotor stage.

schema: A mental framework or structure that helps organize and interpret information, which children develop as they experience new things during the sensorimotor stage.

cognitive development: The process through which individuals acquire the ability to think, reason, and understand their environment, encompassing various stages including the sensorimotor stage.