Which child development theorist's work focuses on stages of cognitive development?

The work of Jean Piaget is foundational in understanding the stages of cognitive development in children. Piaget proposed that children progress through four distinct stages of cognitive development: the sensorimotor stage, the preoperational stage, the concrete operational stage, and the formal operational stage. Each of these stages corresponds to a different way of thinking and understanding the world.

In the sensorimotor stage (birth to approximately age 2), children learn through their senses and actions. During the preoperational stage (ages 2 to 7), they begin to use language and engage in symbolic play but lack logical reasoning. The concrete operational stage (ages 7 to 11) is characterized by the development of logical thought but is still tied to concrete objects. Finally, in the formal operational stage (approximately age 12 and beyond), individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and reason logically.

Piaget’s theory highlights that cognitive development is a process that occurs in stages, allowing for growth and change in how children interact with and understand their environment. His emphasis on stages is what differentiates his contribution to child development from other theorists who may focus on emotional, moral, or social development.

Erik Erikson, while crucial in the realm of developmental