Cognitive Stages
Cognitive stages refer to the different levels of mental development that individuals go through as they learn and grow. This concept is often associated with Jean Piaget, a Swiss psychologist who identified four main stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Each stage represents a unique way of thinking and understanding the world, progressing from basic sensory experiences to complex abstract reasoning.
These stages are crucial for understanding how children acquire knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. For example, during the sensorimotor stage, infants learn through their senses and actions, while in the formal operational stage, adolescents can think logically about hypothetical situations. Recognizing these stages helps educators and parents support cognitive development effectively.