Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Front

What is egocentric thinking?

Back

Egocentric thinking is understanding the world only from one's own perspective.

Front

What is abstract logical thinking?

Back

Abstract logical thinking involves solving problems using imagination without needing a physical form.

Front

What is concrete logical thinking?

Back

Concrete logical thinking involves using simple logic to solve problems but requires physical interaction with the issues involved.

Front

What are the stages of cognitive development according to Piaget?

Back

1. Sensorimotor (birth to 2 years) 2. Preoperational (2 – 7 years) 3. Concrete operational (7 – 11 years) 4. Formal Operational (11 – 18 years)

Front

Describe the Sensorimotor stage.

Back

In the Sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years), a child learns to understand the world through senses and physical activity, lacks memory as we understand it, and is incapable of abstract thought.

Front

Describe the Preoperational stage.

Back

In the Preoperational stage (2 – 7 years), a child develops language and thought, tends to see things from their own point of view (egocentrism), and is unable to ‘de-centre’.

Front

Describe the Concrete Operational stage.

Back

In the Concrete Operational stage (7 – 11 years), a child becomes capable of a level of abstract thinking that enables them to handle the concept of reversal and perform conservation tasks, but they still need concrete objects to understand problems.

Front

Describe the Formal Operational stage.

Back

In the Formal Operational stage (11 – 18 years), abstract thought is present, and the child can reason and solve problems much like an adult.

Front

What is Schema Theory in Piaget's theory?

Back

Schema Theory refers to categories of knowledge and the process of acquiring new knowledge, including concepts like equilibrium, disequilibrium, assimilation, and accommodation.

Front

What is equilibrium in Schema Theory?

Back

Equilibrium is when a child develops concepts/ideas about the world around them and understands it.