Piaget's theory

E.g.

When an infant first encounters a rattle, their instinct is to grasp it- the noise it makes encourages the infant to shake everything to attempt getting a noise.

Pre-Operational

The thinking of the pre-operational child is more sophisticated than those in previous stage. It is characterized by the ability to make mental representations of experiences and symbols to solve simple problems. (Symbolic Thought)

Abstract Thinking

A way of thinking that does not rely on being able to see or visualise things in order to understand concepts

Logical Thinking

Ability to develop strategies to solve problems, identify a range of possible solutions, develop hypotheses and test solutions

Key Characteristics

Abstract Thinking Logical Thinking

Goal Directed Behaviour

Behavior that is carried out with a particular purpose in mind and is developed towards the end of the stage- working out various way to obtain things they want

Contraction

Can only focus on one quality or feature of an object at a time

Formal Operational

Complex thought processes became evident and thinking becomes increasingly sophisticated. Think about and solve abstract problems in a logical manner and according to Piaget, this is the final stage of cognitive development and adult thinking is an extension of the abilities that were acquired in earlier stages

Key Characteristics

Conservation Hierarchical Classification Decentraction Reversibility

Concrete Operational

During this stage, children begin thinking more globally and outside of the self but still deficient in abstract thinking. Can perform a number of mental operations on 'concert' objects and actual events. Beginnings of logical thinking towards end of the stage

Key Characterisits

Egocentrisim Animism Contraction Transformation/Conservation Reversibility

Egocentrism

Inability or difficultly in seeing things from another person's perspective. They can only see things from their perspective and a gradual shift from egocentric thoughts occurs towards the end of this stage.

Sensorimotor

Infants construct their understanding of coordinating sensory experience (list some senses) with motor abilities.

His Theory

Piaget's theory of cognitive development is an extensive theory about nature and development of human intelligence.

Key Characteristics

Object Permanence Goal Directed Behaviour

E.g.

Talking about things that are not physically present and assuming imaginary roles different from their normal roles.

Reversibility

The ability to follow a line of reasoning back to its original starting point and during this stage, children are unable to reason in this way.

Hierarchical Classification

The ability to organise information (Things or events) into categories based on common features that sets them apart from other classes or groups (categories).

Animism

The belief that everything that exists has some kind of consciousness or awareness. Often linked to egocentrism- belief that everything and anyone is like themselves

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects still exists even if they can not be seen or touched. Before this develops 'out of sight' really means 'out of mind'. Infants from 5-8 months will begin to start for an object that is partially covered. Progression towards understanding is usually achieved by 18 months.

Developmental Stages

These stages include the following: Sensorimotor- 0 to 2 years Pre-Operational- 2 to 7 years Concrete- 7 to 12 years Formal Operational- 12+

Transformation/ Conservation

Understanding that something can change from one state (form or structure) to another- occurs in the latter part of this stage. Can identify the initial stage and final stage of the process but unable to explain what happens in between

Conservation

Understands that an object does not change its weight, mass, volume, or area despite changes to object's shape and appearance.

Reversibility

When a child is able to trace a concept back to its original roots and is mastered in this stage.

Decentraction

When children can consider several aspects of a situation at the same time. Involves a decline in egocentric thinking