Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

In this video, we will break down the four stages of Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory, learn a bit about Piaget himself, as well as cover some critiques of his theory.

Let’s get started!

Imagine a newborn baby placed in a crib at the base of a four-step staircase.

Ask yourself: does this baby inherently have all the necessary cognitive abilities required to successfully progress through life?

No, according to Piaget. Each step of that staircase represents a developmental stage of intellectual growth, which the baby must systematically “step upon” as they embark on their childhood cognitive journey. It is essential for the baby to first emerge from the crib onto the very first step without skipping forward.

So, what does all this mean from a practical standpoint?

First, we need to look at the man himself. Then, we can discuss an overview of Piaget’s theory along with details on each of his proposed four stages. Lastly, we should address critiques of Piaget’s theory and the impact it has had on our current understanding of childhood development.

Who was Jean Piaget?

So first, who was Jean Piaget?

Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who introduced his now famous cognitive development theory in 1936. From childhood, Piaget was fascinated with the behaviors of the people and animals surrounding him. He loved to observe the informational processing habits of individuals and aimed to find a deeper understanding of human logic. Even at an early age, Piaget was forming theories. At age 11…he wrote a short notice on an albino sparrow. This short paper is generally considered as the start of a brilliant scientific career.

Continuing into adulthood, while observing children in laboratory settings, along with studying his own three children at home, Piaget was intrigued by how children learn. After years of observations, conversations, and anecdotal notes, Piaget formally introduced his cognitive development theory.

Up until this point, common acceptance had been that children needed to have knowledge given to them by adults through such means as lectures. Piaget challenged this perception by introducing the theory that children and adults have quite different mindsets; therefore, they should not be exclusively lectured to form knowledge.

Instead, Piaget suggested guiding and promoting self-discovery rather than commanding learning techniques. He proposed that children develop into logical thinkers through their own interactive involvement encouraged by supportive adults. Children build their knowledge by connecting ideas and experiences at each step or stage of growth. A child’s environmental interactions play a crucial role in how they develop and assimilate thinking skills.

Now that we have established who Piaget was, let’s go back and break down the previously mentioned four-step staircase.

Four Stages of Learning

Piaget’s cognitive development theory proposed that a child must progress through four stages of learning:

• Stage 1: Sensorimotor (ages 0-2)
• Stage 2: Preoperational (ages 2-7)
• Stage 3: Concrete Operational (ages 7-11)
• Stage 4: Formal Operational (ages 12 +)

The sequential four stages are the foundation for the child’s methodical building and processing of information while making connections with their surroundings. In other words, children are in a constant state of constructing new ideas based on their own interactions.

Piaget believed that each stage was chronologically specific and required for a child to construct fundamental cognitive capabilities needed in adulthood.

Sensorimotor

During the Sensorimotor Stage, a child between the ages of zero to two years old will curiously observe and explore the world around them. Using their five senses, the child engages both fine motor and gross motor skills, comprehending that objects are real, and will start to develop basic word commands for expressing needs.

Examples might include putting objects in the mouth for sensory input, grabbing and pulling objects to further explore, and saying words such as “Dada,” “Mama,” “ball,” “yes,” or “no.”

Preoperational

Once the child has taken the first step of the Sensorimotor stage, they will then move up the “staircase” to the second stage called Preoperational. Between the ages of two and seven, Piaget theorized that a child develops formal language and symbolic thought.

Examples include role playing and imagination during play, along with formal sentences, vocalizing likes, needs, and questions.

Concrete Operational

Moving on to the third staircase step, a child enters the Concrete Operational stage between the ages of 7 and 11 years old. During this cognitive phase, Piaget theorized children develop a deeper understanding of the world outside of their own interests, as well as explore mathematical and scientific concepts like cause and effect and classification of items.

Examples may include grouping objects by characteristics, leveling items by importance, and sequencing events by time.

Formal Operational

Lastly, the child continues to the fourth stage referred to as Formal Operational. Children 12 and older create a pattern of reasoning to solve multi-dimensional problems and propose hypothetical questions toward the surrounding world and beyond.

Examples in this phase include addressing social issues, questioning identity, or presenting concerns for the future matched with viable solutions.

Critiques of Piaget’s Theory

You may wonder if everyone agrees with Piaget’s theory. Not exactly. Over the years, his research counterparts and some parents and educators have criticized his methods and proposals.

Some additions to his theory have been made to challenge and evolve his qualitative methods to produce more encompassing accounts on how children develop, including the impact of technological, social, cultural, and economic factors.

Furthermore, critics of Piaget’s theory cite that he did not give each stage an equal standing. In essence, they believe Piaget emphasized intellectual growth in the Formal Operational stage more than the Sensorimotor stage.

Finally, critics have found that children may move back and forth between developmental stages rather than in the progressive movement first proposed. Children do not always develop as fluidly or seamlessly forward through the stages as Piaget would seem to suggest.

Review

Now that we have discussed Piaget’s theory, here are some things to remember:

According to Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, a child’s intellectual growth or cognitive development is a series of four stages, building and layering upon one another starting at birth. Children are not automatically born into the world as mini adults with pre-determined skillsets. Rather, Piaget proposed that a child must experience and evolve through each of the four theorized stages to reach adulthood cognitive abilities systematically. It is the adult’s role to nurture and engage in these learning opportunities.

I hope this review was helpful. Thanks for watching, and happy studying!