What are the stages of cognitive development?

What are the stages of cognitive development?

In the field of psychology, cognitive development refers to the growth and transformation of a person's intellectual abilities, thinking processes, and understanding of the world. According to renowned psychologist Jean Piaget, cognitive development occurs in a series of distinct stages. These stages outline the progression of a person's thinking abilities from infancy to adulthood.

Sensorimotor Stage:

The sensorimotor stage spans from birth to around 2 years of age. During this stage, infants mainly rely on their senses and motor actions to explore and understand their environment. They acquire object permanence, which is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

Preoperational Stage:

The preoperational stage takes place between the ages of 2 and 7. Children in this stage begin to use symbols and language to represent objects and ideas. They engage in symbolic play and develop egocentrism, where they struggle to understand the perspectives of others.

Concrete Operational Stage:

The concrete operational stage occurs between the ages of 7 and 11. In this stage, children become more logical in their thinking and develop the ability to perform mental operations. They can understand conservation, classification, and cause-and-effect relationships.

Formal Operational Stage:

The formal operational stage begins around the age of 11 and continues through adulthood. During this stage, individuals develop abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and the ability to think conceptually. They can handle complex problem-solving tasks and ponder about hypothetical situations or complex moral issues.

These stages of cognitive development provide a framework for understanding how individuals progress in their thinking and understanding of the world as they grow. It is important to note that not all individuals go through these stages at the same pace, and there can be individual variations in the timing and sequence of development.