Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development outlines how children's cognitive abilities evolve through four stages, from sensory exploration to abstract reasoning. It highlights the principle of conservation, where children learn that properties like volume and number remain constant despite changes in form. Piaget's experiments, such as the conservation of number task, demonstrate the progression from perceptual cues to logical thinking in child development.
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Infants develop crucial concepts such as object permanence
Understanding that objects still exist even when out of sight
This concept is crucial for infants to navigate their environment
This stage typically lasts from birth to approximately 2 years
Children begin to use symbols to represent objects and ideas
Children struggle to understand others' perspectives and have difficulty with logical reasoning
Children in this stage often exhibit errors in understanding that certain properties of objects remain unchanged despite transformations
Children begin to think logically about real-world situations
Children in this stage begin to grasp the concept of conservation
This stage typically lasts from approximately 7 to 11 years
Children develop the ability to think abstractly and engage in hypothetical thinking
Children can plan and organize their thoughts and actions in a systematic manner
This stage typically begins around 11 years of age and continues into adulthood
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Sensorimotor stage key concept
Object permanence - understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.
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Preoperational stage limitations
Egocentrism - difficulty seeing perspectives other than one's own; struggles with conservation - understanding that quantity doesn't change with physical appearance.
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Formal operational stage abilities
Abstract reasoning - ability to think about concepts that are not physically present; systematic planning - strategizing based on logical prediction; hypothetical thinking - considering 'what if' scenarios.
