Cognitive Theory

Cognitive Theory

1. According to Piaget, children are born with a very basic mental structure (genetically inherited and evolved) on which all subsequent learning and knowledge is based.

   • Piaget described two processes used by the indicidual in its attempt to adapt:
     • Assmimilation and accomodation
       • The goal of the theory is to explain the mechanisms and processes by which the infant, and then the child, develops into an individual who can reason and think using hypotheses.
   • There Are Three Basic Components To Piaget's Cognitive Theory:
     • 1: Schemas (building blocks of knowledge). 2: Adaptation processes that enable the transition from one stage to another (equilibrium,assimilation and accommodation). 3: Stages of Development:
       • Piaget identified four stages in cognitive development
         • Sensorimotor stage (Infancy)
           • Pre-operational stage (Toddler and early childhood)
             • Concrete operational stage (Elementary and early adolescence)
               • Formal Operational stage (Adolscence and adulthood)