In: Psychology
what are the 4 major stages and landmarks of development of Jean piaget’s
Piaget's theory of development involves four different stages of mental development. According to him its not only the physical development but also the intellectual development that take place during these phases. The 4 phases are as follows-
Sensorimotor stage: This stage occurs from 0 to 2 years of age. During this earliest stage of cognitive development, infants and toddlers acquire knowledge through sensory experiences and manipulating objects. A child's entire experience at the earliest period of this stage occurs through basic reflexes, senses, and motor responses. It is during the sensorimotor stage that children go through a period of dramatic growth and learning. As kids interact with their environment, they are continually making new discoveries about how the world works.
Preoperational stage: This stage ranges from 2 to 7. Children begin to think symbolically and learn to use words and pictures to represent objects. Children at this stage tend to be egocentric and struggle to see things from the perspective of others.
Concrete operational stage: This stage ranges from 7 to 11. While thinking becomes much more logical during the concrete operational state, it can also be very rigid. Kids at this point in development tend to struggle with abstract and hypothetical concepts. During this stage, children also become less egocentric and begin to think about how other people might think and feel.
Formal operational stage: This stage ages 12 and up. The final stage of Piaget's theory involves an increase in logic, the ability to use deductive reasoning, and an understanding of abstract ideas. At this point, people become capable of seeing multiple potential solutions to problems and think more scientifically about the world around them.