Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

Introduction

• Jean Piaget (1952-1980) was a Swiss developmental psychologist.
  
• He developed one of the most comprehensive theories of cognitive development.
  
• He explained genetic epistemology, a concept which refers to "study of developmental changes in the process of knowing and in the organization of knowledge."

Terminology

• Scheme
  • a term used by Piaget to describe the models, or mental structures, that we create to represent ,organize, and interpret our experiences.
• Organization
  • the process by which children combine existing schemes into new and more complex intellectual structures.
• Adaptation
  • an inborn tendency to adjust to the demands of the environment through assimilation and accommodation.
• Assimilation
  • the process of interpreting new experiences by incorporating them into existing schemes.
• Accommodation
  • the process of modifying existing schemes in order to incorporate or adapt to new experiences.
• Development
  • Changes occurring throughout the lifespan that are orderly and adaptive.

Stages of Cognitive Development

Cognitive development progress through four stages:

• Sensory-motor stage
• Preoperational stage
• Concrete operational stage
• Formal operational stage

Sensory-motor stage: 0-2 years

• Learning through 5 senses
• Development of imitative behaviors
• Development of symbolic knowledge
• Develops object permanence
• The beginning of goal-directed actions

Preoperational Stage:  2–7 years

• Semiotic function – ability to use symbols
• One-way logic
• Difficulty with the principle of conservation
• Egocentrism

Concrete Operational Stage: 7–11 years

• “Hands on” thinking
• Identity
• Compensation
• Reversibility
• Classification
• Seriation

Formal Operational Stage:  11 years to adult

• Hypothetico-deductive reasoning
• Abstract thinking
• “Scientific” reasoning
• Adolescent egocentrism  & imaginary audience
• Not all individuals reach this stage

Conclusion

• Piaget made important contributions to our understanding of normal intellectual development.
• Piagian theories provide a fundamental starting point for understanding childhood cognitive development.

References

1. Piaget J (1953) The Origins of Intelligence in Children . Routledge and
   Kegan Paul , London, UK .
2. Piaget J (1977)  The Essential Piaget. Ed by Howard Gruber,Basic Books New York.