Cognitive and Social Development

A child at this stage would like to touch Santa's beard and coat.

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Concrete Operational

• Formal Operational

A child at this stage might appreciate the cultural custom of Santa. They enjoy Santa as a symbol of seasonal celebration in keeping with their ability to understand abstract ideas. They recognize the importance of shared customs as a means of promoting closeness in their families and culture.

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Concrete Operational

• Formal Operational

A child can explain that 3 x 2 represents three sets of two.

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Concrete Operational

• Formal Operational

A child ponders the pros and cons of the death penalty.

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Concrete Operational

• Formal Operational

Presented with a picture of 4 cats and 6 dogs, a child is asked, which are there more of: cats or animals? The child correctly responds, “animals”.

• Sensorimotor

• Preoperational

• Concrete Operational

• Formal Operational

This idea is why peek-a-boo works with babies

• Imprinting
• Representational thought
• Accomodation
• Object Permanance

How new ideas fit into existing schemas

• Conservation
• Accomodation
• Assimilation
• Schema

Understanding that quantity stays the same despite the shape.

• Object permanence
• Conservation
• egocentrism
• Schema

An infant who has developed object permanence...

• is attached to specific objects, such as a blanket.
• will see all objects as being the same.
• knows that an object, such as a rattle, exists even if it is not in view.
• cries when a wanted object is taken away.

According to Piaget, during the formal operational stage people begin to:

• reason abstractly
• adhere to social norms
• distinguish between good and bad behaviors
• become aware of the positive and negative consequences of their own behaviors