Question

State a major criticism of either Piaget or Vygotsky on the way they viewed child development. How do you think that theorist would respond to that criticims.

Answer 1

One of the major criticism in Piaget's theory was the universalization of developmental stages. His theory conceptualization of four cognitive developmental stages. Each stage had a certain milestones.

• It was found out that the theory was very limited to western middle-class culture and family. These are not applicable in every culture or other family background.
• Piaget's theory was based on the observation that he made on his own children.
• The milestones are not restricted to certain ages. It has been found that children develop some milestones prior to the stage which was given by Piaget.

This major criticism would be responded by Piaget [hypothetically]

• Piaget can say that he accepts that the theory does not apply in every culture or family , but to a large extent, the pattern is found in many children.
• He can also say that his theory has provided a general basis for understanding cognitive development. Further, there can be variations and differences as no theory is perfect.
• He can also highlight various positive points from his theory like concepts of schema, assimilation, accommodation, egocentrism, etc. These are widely studied in developmental psychology[even till today].