Piaget Cognitive development theory

Piaget Cognitive development theory

1. Cognitive structures are processes of adaptation (learning) that remain throughout life. They include:

   • Assimmilation: understanding a new object or idea because of an exisiting schema.
   • Accommodation: schemas are changed to fit new situations/to make sense of new information.
   • Equilibrium: schemas that are inadequate lead to a state of disequilibrium occurs, which drives the person to accommodate the schema, which then ensures further cognitive development

2. Schemas are cognitive representations of activities or things. All children are born with an innate schema, which are displayed as reflex responses - grasping and sucking schemas are examples.

3. Stages of cognitive development - Piaget created several stages of development, which outline how children develop cognitively.

   • Stage 1: Sensorimotor stage - 0 to 2 years. This is the stage in which early reflexes are present. Period of development is known as the 'trial and error' stage, which helps to build up knowledge about the world. The main goal for this stage is for children to achieve 'object permanence'. This is the understanding that an object still exists even if you cannot see it.
   • Stage 2: Pre-operational stage - 2 to 7 years. During this stage, children will learn using symbols (language) but not logic. Children will learn through play and will build upon their experiences in order to help them develop towards the concrete operations stage. There a 4 main features throughout this stage.
     • CentrationEgocentrism

4. Piaget's theory of cognitive development can be divided into 3 separate areas. These are: schemas, adaptation and stages of development

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