Theory of Cognitive Development and Jean Piaget
Abstract:
Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was the first to study cognitive development systematically. One of his major contributions is his theory of cognitive development. However, his theory has numerous limitations and has come under frequent criticism. This essay will analyse four limitations of Piaget 's theory and provide alternative accounts. The first three limitations will be presented through a cultural, social, neuroscientific point of view, and finally, end with the problems of research methods used in Piaget 's study to build his theory. It is found that Piaget 's theory does not combine cultural context and social context with the development itself and lacks scientific evidence. Moreover, problems in his research methods has led to inaccuracy in his theory.
Introduction:
Although Piaget 's theory of cognitive development made significant contributions to children development, his theory has limitations. It has been seriously criticised and widely challenged.
Jean Piaget‘s (1896-1980) theory of cognitive development is based on the development of schemas1. According to Piaget, schemas can be adapted through three processes: assimilation2 and acommodation3 and equilibirium4. Piaget asserts that all children go through four discontinuous stages in the same sequence, namely they are: the sensorimotor stage, the pre-operational stage, the concrete operations stage and the formal operation stage.
The first stage, which is the sensorimotor stage, occurs around 0-2 years. During this stage, infants interact with the environment through limited senses and motor activities. Piaget contends that the infant at this stage do not understand 'object permanence '5.
The second stage is the pre-oprational stage. It lasts from approximately 2-7 years. Piaget believes that at this time the child is not yet able to understand concrete logic and fails to appreciate conservation6. He also identified the inability of the child to think from another
Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was the first to study cognitive development systematically. One of his major contributions is his theory of cognitive development. However, his theory has numerous limitations and has come under frequent criticism. This essay will analyse four limitations of Piaget 's theory and provide alternative accounts. The first three limitations will be presented through a cultural, social, neuroscientific point of view, and finally, end with the problems of research methods used in Piaget 's study to build his theory. It is found that Piaget 's theory does not combine cultural context and social context with the development itself and lacks scientific evidence. Moreover, problems in his research methods has led to inaccuracy in his theory.
Introduction:
Although Piaget 's theory of cognitive development made significant contributions to children development, his theory has limitations. It has been seriously criticised and widely challenged.
Jean Piaget‘s (1896-1980) theory of cognitive development is based on the development of schemas1. According to Piaget, schemas can be adapted through three processes: assimilation2 and acommodation3 and equilibirium4. Piaget asserts that all children go through four discontinuous stages in the same sequence, namely they are: the sensorimotor stage, the pre-operational stage, the concrete operations stage and the formal operation stage.
The first stage, which is the sensorimotor stage, occurs around 0-2 years. During this stage, infants interact with the environment through limited senses and motor activities. Piaget contends that the infant at this stage do not understand 'object permanence '5.
The second stage is the pre-oprational stage. It lasts from approximately 2-7 years. Piaget believes that at this time the child is not yet able to understand concrete logic and fails to appreciate conservation6. He also identified the inability of the child to think from another